Dear Tom and Ray:

I just bought a 1995 Ford F-150, short bed, extended cab, small V-8. I know trucks are not known for getting great gas mileage. However, can you suggest any aftermarket products I can use that would help improve the mileage? I've read in a catalog that there is a device called Fuel Master that uses a magnet to break up the fuel molecule clusters and help the fuel burn more efficiently. Does this work, or is there anything else I can do to boost my gas mileage? --Tony

Tom: We make it a point to say that none of these products work, Tony. Then the companies that make them send us free samples to prove us wrong, and we get to try them out on our cars.

Ray: So far, we've concluded that none of them work. Including a Fuel-Master-like product that I installed on my Dodge Dakota. I have, however, noticed that the intake manifold on the Dodge has started to grow hair.

Tom: There is no miraculous way to increase gas mileage, Tony. Make sure your engine is properly tuned, your tires are correctly inflated, and drive the truck gently. And next time, before you buy, look at the window sticker that tells you how many miles per gallon to expect -- then multiply it by the standard E.P.A. bull factor of 0.63.

Ray: One thing you can do is remove the pickup's rear tail gate and replace it with a plastic webbing that's sold for this purpose. This webbing is strong enough to keep cargo from sliding out, but porous enough to allow plenty of air to pass through. Apparently, it cuts down the wind resistance created by the tail gate and improves the mileage.

Tom: Of course, since we've never tried one, our policy requires us to say that it doesn't work. But as soon as they send us one, we'll try it and let you know.

Ray: You know, we have to start criticizing more valuable commodities, Tom. I mean, how are we going to retire off fuel magnets and plastic webbing?

Tom: You're right. Those beachfront condos on Waikiki ... they don't work!

It's NEVER cheaper in the long run to buy a new car. Want proof? Order Tom and Ray's pamphlet How to Buy a Used Car: Things That Detroit and Tokyo Don't Want You to Know. To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1996 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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