Alas, Eric, this is a scam, through and through. There are elements of truth, but it’s snake oil posing as a miracle cure. Yes, all modern cars are run by software code that affects fuel efficiency. Yes, all modern cars have an OBD-II port that allows technicians to read information, as well as changing (“flashing”) the car’s software to change performance and efficiency. HOWEVER:
1. Automakers are trying their hardest to extract every possible tenth of a gallon of MPG. For example, the start/stop system on many modern cars that shuts the engine at a stoplight. Why would any manufacturer leave 35% efficiency on the table? Think about it – if there was a way for a manufacturer to offer 40 mpg instead of 30 mpg, why wouldn’t they have done it? 2. One *can* buy a “tune”, or software code changes, that will affect the performance of one’s car. Typically, they work best on turbocharged cars where manufacturers *will* limit the amount of boost and related factors in order to enhance durability, or reduce turbo lag, etc. These “tunes” can often provide great *performance* enhancement for $300-$3000. BUT, they do not offer meaningful *fuel efficiency* enhancement, simply because the manufacturers haven’t left anything on the table. 3. Each manufacturer has their own way of coding the software; typically, today, they will do their best to prevent any aftermarket tuner from figuring out how the software works. They may try encryption or other techniques to block tuning. The aftermarket is smart enough to have figured out ways around these techniques for most but not all manufacturers. BUT there is no way that ONE device will have software that will be able to modify EVERY car from EVERY manufacturer. It’s a scam, full stop. ***HOWEVER***, for some drivers, you *can* save $.50 or more per gallon of gas. How? If you’re using Premium (91+ octane) gas, you can switch to Regular (87+ octane). That’s a huge price difference per gallon! First off, if your car does not REQUIRE premium gas, you’re just lighting dollar bills on fire. Take a look – most cars have a sticker on gas door that will list the minimum octane rating, or the owner’s manual will definitely have it. Unless it says that your vehicle requires it, you do not need it – and there is ZERO benefit to running premium, since good regular gas will have the same detergents (fuel injector cleaners) as premium gas. And there will not be any performance benefit either. If your vehicle DOES suggest or even require premium gas… you choose to just use regular. Older (vintage) cars would run poorly if gasoline of insufficient octane would use, leading to “knock” (pre-detonation). But every single modern car made in the last quarter century has a knock sensor connected to the engine programming that, if it does sense knocking, will adaptively adjust things to make sure the vehicle will run fine. You might notice a small performance handicap if you’re really screaming to redline and achieving maximum G around a corner, but chances are you won’t (certainly not driving in Lincoln). This will not damage your engine (unless, of course, you’ve already modified your car with one of the performance tunes I mention above, in which case, follow the aftermarket tuner’s advice). Obligatory caveat – manufacturers may warn that using premium will void the warranty; that’s IF their systems fail to prevent pre-detonation AND it causes damage. I’ve never heard of this actually happening on a modern car, but it’ll be in the boilerplate somewhere. By using regular gas instead of premium, you can save at least 10%, probably 15%, on your gas bill. https://www.consumerreports.org/fuel-economy-efficiency/why-you-might-not-actually-need-premium-gas-a6382185831/ HTH, --Dennis From: Lincoln <[email protected]> On Behalf Of ERIC SNYDER Sent: Sunday, March 13, 2022 2:13 PM To: lincoln <[email protected]>; Fran Snyder <[email protected]> Subject: [LincolnTalk] SAVING GASOLINE Does anyone have any experience with this gadget to save gas in your car? https://getecochip.com/article8?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3M6q3pzC9gIVxu_hCh2ERg_JEAEYASAAEgJO9vD_BwE Sounds too good to be true!! Thanks, Eric Eric Snyder [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> 423-240-3344 - C 781-257-5248 - H
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