Dear Tom and Ray:

I found the enclosed article on the "Platinum Gasaver" from the National Fuelsaver Corp. of Boston. I bought one. It cost me $168 and is guaranteed to increase my gas mileage by 22 percent. The article explains that the Gasaver connects to a vacuum line and emits microscopic quantities of platinum to the fuel/air mixture, which makes more of the fuel burn. The article states: "After studying this process for five years, the government concluded: Independent testing shows greater fuel savings with the Gasaver than the 22 percent claimed by the developer." What do you think? -- Henry

Ray: I think you should send it back and spend the $168 on gas, Henry. Some years ago, I tried one of these very devices in my own truck as an experiment, and I've never noticed any difference in mileage.

Tom: First of all, the "article" you sent is actually an "ad" that's designed to look like a newspaper article. So keep in mind that there's not even a pretense of objectivity here.

Ray: They mention "the government" doing tests. But they don't say WHICH government. It could be the government of East Timor. Or it could be quotes from "government" attorneys in response to a rash of consumer complaints about the product. So we have no idea what these tests are, who conducted them or whether the results are legitimate or not.

Tom: All we know is that in our experience, these things never work. Some people DO experience an increase in mileage after installing gas-saving devices, but it's often because they WANT to see an increase in mileage and do other things that save fuel -- like accelerate and drive more slowly.

Ray: We're happy to look at any actual research that was done -- as long as we get the complete results, along with the methodology and sources. And if real scientific evidence proves we're wrong, we'll be glad to say so.

Why do unmitigated cheapskates like Tom continue to buy nothing but old clunkers? Find out by ordering Tom and Ray's guide "How to Buy a Great Used Car: Secrets Only Your Mechanic Knows." To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 2000 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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