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Jul 19, 2008 12:49 am US/Eastern
Digital Fuel Mizer No Match For Good Driving
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MIAMI (CBS4) ―
As a college student, Herman Cuezta has to save money however he can. It's been especially hard for him to cut back spending money at the gas pump.
"I try to drive the least possible. If I want to go somewhere close, I prefer to walk or take a bike," the University of Miami student said,
And that's why there are a growing number of so-called "Gas-Savers" hitting the market aimed at consumers like Herman. I showed him one of the latest to hit the 'Net, the "Digital Fuel Mizer (sic)" Its' website claims it can help you save gas.
To check it out, I ordered one online. The total cost including shipping was $82.45.
I showed it to Herman and asked him if he thought it was something he'd want to buy for $60? Herman was quick with his answer and said "No, I don't think it's that reliable, I don't think it works."
To check it out myself, I followed the directions and placed it on my dashboard. I found if I kept my foot off the gas and coasted, the lights and warning stayed off. It's aimed at saving gas by warning you about any sudden acceleration. But I couldn't really hear its warnings over my SUVs' air conditioning noise. So I found myself constantly checking the lights instead of paying attention to the traffic.
And it turns out the "Digital Fuel Mizer (sic)'' does warn owners to always drive safely. But I found it also goes off when it's not even in a moving car.
Tropical Chevrolet Service Manager Colin Lord checked it out too."I turned it on now and it started to make noise and we're not even driving," Lord said.
He says your money may be better spent on other gas saving techniques and warned: "To me it's a gadget. Will it work or not depends on the individual. I'm sure I would invest more in setting my tire pressures and keeping my air filter changed on a regular basis."
He also believes "The biggest driver of gas mileage is how you drive the car and how you maintain it." Slowing down and avoiding "Jack Rabbit Starts" as well as keeping your foot off the accelerator as much as possible will always save gas and stretch your gas mileage.
These kinds of devices may help you remember that advice. But remembering the old saying "Treat the Gas Pedal Like there's an Egg Under it". That kind of free advice helps too, doesn't run on battery and doesn't cost $69.95 plus shipping and handling.
The "Digital Fuel Mizer" comes with a money-back guarantee and it looks like it's built pretty well. The batteries are supposed to last 3 years.
Click here for the lowest gas prices in your area and for more reviews of products, check out the cbs4.com consumer section.
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