Save Money on Gas Tips

FIX THE VEHICLE

It's number zero because it is the first thing you have to do before you even start talking about improving gas economy.
There's a maintenance philosophy that says: “If it ain't broken, don't fix it!”, while another philosophy says that preventive maintenance is what you should do to to save in the long run.

I am not going to argue right now which of these philosophies is right and which is wrong. Maybe both are right, you know? Different people in different conditions, confronting a variety of budget problems and other considerations. For example I had an old truck that I wanted to get rid of. I couldn't wait till it falls apart, I just wanted it to die so I could get a new one. Why then, should I bother to fix it before the fact, or after the fact, or ever? I intentionally let it fall apart. The same happened to me a decade ago with an old motorcycle that I wanted to kill. That's just one type of consideration.

So I'm not telling you what to do with your maintenance decisions. Do you say “If it ain't broken, don't fix it”??? Fine with me! But hey, if IT IS broken – fix it. Before, after, whatever. Fix it.

Remember what I said at the beginning of the book? I am not concerned here about any other vehicles, only those that carry HOD systems. Now a HOD system can work in a broken car. It will cool down an overheating engine, for instance, and it will reduce emissions in a car that's screwed up so far down that it stinks to high heaven.

Yet it would be unfair and technically incorrect to demand miracles. And the main “miracle” you want your system to perform is GAS ECONOMY. I know because I'm just like you. Yet it has been found out that it really takes a miracle for gas economy to occur in a car that is out of tune, has a broken piston (for example) or is generally dilapidated.
So if you want to enjoy the full benefits and the awesome power and magic of HHO, start with a clean baseline. Have your car fixed, checked and tuned to factory specifications by a trustworthy mechanic.

It is recommended to have a good tune-up done at least once or twice a year. It would even be better to do a tune-up (and any fixing indicated by the mechanic) and then run a basic SMOG CHECK. Before installing the HOD. This establishes a “before” picture, or in technical words a “baseline”. If then you see a great deal of change and you want to know what the numbers say, run another smog test, three weeks AFTER starting to drive with HOD. Compare the results and I think you will have something to drag about.

Remember to ask your mechanic about any no-obvious factors that may be reducing your fuel economy. It's not just the engine! For instance a malfunctioning BRAKE SYSTEM might cause drag that the engine will need to fight constantly, damaging both your safety and fuel economy.
The Alliance to Save Energy of Washington DC (phone 202-857-0666) says that replacing a faulty oxygen sensor can improve mileage by up to 40%.

Another non-obvious factor is WHEEL ALIGNMENT. The problem may be the wheel rims, or only the tires. Misalignment will cause drag and vibrations. A professional wheel guy will be able to (1) align the wheels, and (2) balance each wheel and tire individually. It doesn't have to be the most expensive guy in town, especially if you do not intend to drive extremely fast. Yet doing the job will pay for itself in gas savings and a more pleasant ride.

Yet another common malfunction is a clogged or broken exhaust system. Especially have the exhaust repair shop check the catalytic converter, since those sometimes have parts collapse inside, blocking free passage of air. This is a job for the professional since in most cases you can't see the damage. I warmly recommend though to check all possible recommendations on the guys you deal with, otherwise they might try to replace perfectly workable exhaust pipes or converters, causing you unnecessary expense. And of course that's not the idea here, we're trying to save you money in the bottom line.

Make sure your gas tank cap is not damaged, loose or missing. 17% of gas caps are damaged or missing, causing a yearly loss of 147 million gallons of gasoline! Gas spillage might also be cause by overfilling (especially on cars with caps behind the license plate), so remember to stop refilling when you hear the first click of the gas pump.