In any given week, more than 100 customers are stepping to the cash register at an AutoZone store with the hope of saving a little on the cost of gasoline.

They are buying fuel additives, octane boosters and other products that purport to save gasoline.

With the cost of a gallon of unleaded regular knocking over the $4 mark, it’s no wonder the store has a big display of Lucas fuel stabilizers, treatments and boosters right near the register.

And the promises can be eye-catching. A bottle of Lucas fuel treatment says, “It’s a tuneup in a bottle (and) increases power and miles per gallon.”

“It’s been steady,” AutoZone store manager Joe Sharpe said of sales of fuel additives.

But do any of the products really work? A study released two years ago by the Federal Trade Commission said emphatically “no.”

“The EPA has evaluated or tested more than 100 alleged gas-saving devices and has not found any product that significantly improves gas mileage. In fact, some ‘gas-saving’ products may damage a car’s engine. No government agency endorses gas-saving devices for cars.”

At AutoZone, the most popular products are fuel-system cleaners, like the Lucas fuel-injector cleaner, Gumout and STP gas treatment, Sharpe said. The products range from $1.49 to $11.99, depending on size and brand name.

Given the even higher cost for premium gasoline, some drivers may be tempted to use lower-grade gasoline and hope to bump the fuel to another level by adding an octane booster.

“The octane boosters actually work the opposite of the way many people believe,” said Al Mannato, fuel issues manager for the American Petroleum Institute.

Octane boosters are often composed of a large percentage of alcohol and are designed to give the driver more power, not better gas mileage, he said. If there is 10 percent alcohol in an octane booster, then there can be as much as a 3 percent loss in fuel economy.

Bennett Greenwood, a mechanic and owner of A Mobile Car Doctor car-repair service, said that some of his customers admit to using lower-octane gasoline than recommended.

“Some cars are more finicky than others,” Greenwood said. A lot depends on the type of driving and the type of car, but he recommends following the owner’s manual.

When a higher-performance engine burns the wrong octane gas, the engine can knock, Mannato said.

Using engine cleaners can improve fuel economy as part of preventive maintenance, said Barry Bronson, a spokesman for the Valvoline division of Ashland Inc.

Bronson said Valvoline products can reduce the need for higher-octane gas, but he also said it’s not a good idea to go against manufacturers’ recommendations.

Sharpe said drivers also have worries that extend beyond the pump.

“More than buying fuel additives,” he said, “people are buying locking gas caps … to keep people from siphoning gas.”

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By Braden Lammers
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Like the newest luxury technologies, cutting-edge safety technologies tend to debut on vehicles that are out of reach for the average new car shopper. Even the driver’s front airbag, now required by law in America, wasn’t available in all vehicles until over a decade after its consumer debut. This was also the case for luxury advancements like power windows and even air conditioning. But while riding luxuriously is something most drivers can live without, feeling safe is certainly not.

Fortunately, car manufacturers reciprocate the large and growing consumer focus on safety. Car safety information is now more accessible than ever, thanks to websites like Safercar.gov, so a model that tests poorly won’t go unnoticed. And when a model tests well, its manufacturer is always eager to promote the star-studded crash test ratings.

To continue racking up the stars, carmakers must keep pace with emerging technologies, as well as the evolving standards of the government-sponsored National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other independent vehicle safety researchers. There are a number of factors involved, but here’s the upshot: a new list of must-have safety features is forming, and many are now available without having to spring for a luxury ride.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 

At the top of that list is Electronic Stability Control, which is fast becoming an industry-wide standard for accident avoidance technology. In fact, the government has dictated that ESC will be required in all sub-10,000 lb. passenger vehicles starting in the year 2012. Though that may seem far away, the technology has already made a permanent mark on the industry.

It’s particularly useful in poor weather conditions, or when pushing the car to the edge of its capabilities. Specialized sensors monitor the traction of each tire, and immediately work to correct a skid or loss of control. The system does this in two ways: either by applying brakes to only the affected tire(s) or by providing more power for the tire(s) with the most grip.

Different manufacturers use different acronyms for it, but the technology remains the same. Thankfully, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has conveniently chronicled the list of names that manufacturers use to market ESC.

Side Curtain Airbags

Side curtain airbags are another feature with remarkable life-saving potential. And, like ESC, they are on their way to nationwide adoption — by 2013, side curtain airbags will be mandatory in all vehicles.

Front airbags are an indispensable part of a safe ride, but crashes can happen from all angles. Side curtain airbags deploy during side-impact crashes, normally from an area above the driver- or passenger-side window. Many manufacturers have these airbags deploy in conjunction with other side airbags, which protect the chest as curtain airbags protect the head.

Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS)

Though they aren’t breaking news for anybody, anti-lock braking systems are still just optional on many new vehicles. ABS will mechanically pump the brakes for you during a sudden stop, as long as pressure is consistently applied to the brake pedal. That last point is crucial — many drivers who have ABS don’t take full advantage of it, either because they’re used to manually pumping the brakes or because they instinctively lift their right foot when the system kicks in.

With that in mind, the safe choice is opting in for ABS, and getting to know how the system works. ABS can reduce overall stopping distances in certain driving conditions, and since the wheels will never lock up, it allows you to remain in control and concentrate on steering to safety.

Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) 

As your only physical connection with the road, properly inflated tires are a must. They reduce the risk of blowouts, promote even tread wear, create a more comfortable ride and even improve fuel economy. But while every driver should have a tire pressure gauge stashed in the glove box, it’s easy to forget to perform a pressure check every month.

Enter tire pressure monitoring systems. There are several types of TPMS out there, but they all provide a helpful warning light on the dashboard when one or more tires is under-inflated to the point of being a safety hazard. While no TPMS will provide the accuracy of manually checking your tire pressure, it is a helpful line of defense against a serious road risk. According to the NHTSA, all new vehicles manufactured after September 1st, 2007, come equipped with TPMS.

2008 Safety All Stars

Here are five of the IIHS’ Top Safety Picks for the 2008 model year. In order to be a 2008 Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must have available ESC and some sort of side-impact head protection technology (usually side curtain airbags). These selections also received “Good” ratings on front, side and rear crash tests from the IIHS.

These vehicles all sport an MSRP below $25k — even with the addition of ESC when not standard. However, please note that prices can vary based on location, supply and many other factors.

Small Car – 2008 Subaru Impreza

(Note: ESC is optional on this vehicle as part of the Premium Package)

Midsize Car – 2008 Honda Accord

Large Car – 2008 Ford Taurus

(Note: ESC is optional on this vehicle as part of the Safety and Security Package) 

Small SUV – 2008 Honda CR-V

Large Truck – 2008 Toyota Tundra

Just remember that doing your homework is essential to finding the best and safest car for you and your family. And while a set budget can stand in the way of being the first on your block to have that hot, new luxury trend, it doesn’t have to stand in the way of your family’s safety, or your own peace of mind.

The average American spends 38 hours — almost a full work week — per year commuting. Commuters in traffic-heavy areas such as Los Angeles, Atlanta and Washington, D.C. spend almost double that time in their cars per year.

If you have a long slog to and from work, a comfortable, reliable, easy-to-operate commuter car is essential. It won’t shorten your commute time, but a suitable car can ease some of the frustration you might feel in gridlocked, white-knuckle traffic.

In terms of commuter cars, one size will not necessarily fit all. A compact car may get the best gas mileage and easily weave in and out of heavy traffic, but those with families may need a larger car with more features. Whether you’re looking for a small car or a family sedan, consider the most reasonably compact exterior in each vehicle class, as that usually correlates with better gas mileage.

Look for a mechanically sound car, one that accelerates and brakes both quickly and smoothly. While you don’t want a car that is slow to accelerate, you also don’t want one that lurches forward when you press the gas pedal. Likewise, choose a car with precise braking; make sure the brakes don’t feel “mushy” when you step on the pedal.

For a rough commute, automatic transmissions are probably best. Though a manual transmission will save you about $1,000 when you purchase your car, remember that automatic transmissions are easier to handle in stop-and-go traffic. This is often important as the car in front of (or behind) you could be dangerously close to yours.

Of course, choose a car with comfortable seats. They can be enhanced with options like power controls, extra leg room, lumbar support, and temperature controls. Be sure to try out options like heated seats first to see if you’re really willing to spend the extra money — some people don’t like how they feel.

A good commuter car offers excellent front, rear, and side visibility. The controls are easy to see and reach, and are preferably steering wheel-mounted. Make sure all of your other needs are met as well, including multiple well-placed cup holders and ample storage.

Most importantly, don’t forget valuable safety features when you’re shopping for your ideal commuter car. Options such as traction control, all-wheel drive, antilock brakes, audible warning devices, and electronic stability control can help prevent an accident, while features like side and curtain airbags, seat belts, and head restraints are essential for crash protection.

In essence, any reliable car will get you to and from the office. But why not also travel in comfort, safety, and style?