With gas prices hovering well over $3 per gallon, it's no surprise that drivers are looking for ways to realize better fuel economy and cut their costs at the gas pump. And while most gadgets on the market claiming to increase your vehicle's gas mileage are scams, there is an inexpensive, commonly found additive that will in fact increase your mileage per gallon.

Better yet, this additive has been around for decades, and it's available at your corner hardware store, auto parts store, and even most drug stores. The additive is acetone, it's perfectly safe, and just a few drops added to your gas tank will increase your vehicle's gas mileage by 3 to 4 miles per gallon.

What Is Acetone?

Acetone is a colorless liquid that is commonly found in many pharmaceuticals, paints, and lubricating oil. In essence, it's an additive that helps reduce surface tension (friction). Normally, acetone is available in 16 ounce cans and is usually sold for about $3.

How Does It Work?

Without getting too technical, a few drops of acetone added to a gas tank helps improve the fuel's ability to vaporize. What this means is fuel that vaporizes easier causes less friction throughout the engine, thereby using less energy and gas. Think of it like any other lubricant ... the smoother an engine operates, the less energy is needed to provide power. Further, a smoother engine with less friction will emit fewer harmful hydrocarbons into the air.

How Much Acetone Should I Use And How Much Money Will I Save?

Three of four drops of acetone per gas tank is plenty. Use an eye dropper to prevent using too much. We find that using a few drops every other tank is sufficient. On average, with all other conditions being equal, you'll find your gas mileage increased by about 15%. That means an average 14 gallon gas tank will actually give you about 15 1/2 gallons worth of mileage and performance. Given the cost of gas at $3 per gallon minimum, you'll be saving about $4.50 per tank. If you fill up once a week, that's a savings of almost $250 per year.

Other Benefits Of Acetone

Because acetone works, in effect, as a lubricant of sorts, you'll notice an increase in engine power and longevity of the engine. This is because acetone vaporizes most of the gasoline fluid and helps the engine operate with less stress. If you have a diesel vehicle, you'll find acetone particularly helpful. You'll notice much less black smoke emissions and exhaust soot.

Summary

Acetone, a commonly available additive, is one of the best additions you can add to your fuel tank to improve fuel economy. You'll typically realize a 15% increase in your gas mileage using just a few drops of acetone on alternating fill ups. Be sure to follow proper handling and storage instructions, just as you would with any other chemical. Finally, keep your vehicle maintained. Poor routine maintenance habits are the biggest cause of substandard fuel economy.