The claim is that acetone can increase gas mileage by 15-30%, depending on how much gas your car currently wastes.
But is there any truth to that, how does it work, and is it safe to do?
Take a deep breath, folks, because the answers aren't as simple as they should be. Just like the water for gas issue, the conflicting information out there related to adding acetone to gas tanks is enormous and varying.
Claims
increase gas mileage up to 30% by reducing surface tension and allowing for more complete vaporization of gasoline
burns fuel more efficiently - again, the acetone allows the fuel to burn off more completely
better performance in your car
longer engine life
reduces emissions - of course, no higher MPG claim would be complete without this one!
"Are the claims acetone will increase gas mileage true?"
Well, according to the oil industry, this solvent is corrosive to rubber and can damage gaskets, o-rings and the rubber hoses in the fuel line.
In addition, they say it doesn't increase gas mileage. They add that it dissolves paint as well.
However, if you'll read what we wrote again, you'll note that it's an OIL INDUSTRY claim. However, there are automotive experts that back up the oil industry, and then there are other automotive experts who call foul and say they try this on their own vehicles and it works.
Who are we supposed to believe? Well, let's think about this logically for a moment. Who has something to gain? Who has something to lose?
It's obvious that the oil industry has a lot to lose if acetone is the real deal and can increase gas mileage. They have every reason to manufacture false information in order to keep their profits up and their strangle-hold on the American public.
But what about the auto experts who agree with the oil industry? These are either experts who know what they're talking about through independent research and tests, or they're just regurgitating what they've heard. They could also be hired by the oil industry to spew their lies.
Then there are auto experts who report no damage to their vehicles, and measurable increases in MPG.
What do they have to gain? It seems to us that, on the surface, they have nothing to gain by lying to anyone. If you can think of anything, please let us know.
Testing the Acetone Theory
Here's what you'll need to do if you're going to try this out. Please note that we do not suggest you do this, nor do we make any warranties that it will work, or that it will not harm your vehicle; we present these directions for informational purposes only. Acetone is a hazardous chemical which may injure you if handled improperly, and may damage your vehicle.
You'll need:
rubber gloves
graduated cylinder
100% pure acetone
Important note: The rubber gloves are to protect your hands. Do not breathe in the fumes, and remember that you're handling a highly flammable liquid.
Before doing the test, you should begin calculating your MPG now in order to track your MPG improvements, if any. Make sure you do this for 2-3 tanks of gasoline before using the acetone.
To put acetone in the gas tank...
Fill-up your tank with gas
Note the number of gallons you pumped
Calculate acetone amount: 1-3 ounces / 10 gallons of gasoline
Use the graduated cylinder to measure and pour the solvent, making sure to keep it off the paint of your car
Hope that the rubber components in your vehicle are high quality, and/or the oil industry is full of it
Be sure that you continue to calculate gas mileage in your car so you can track any changes in your MPG. We've been told that the best way to test any improvements in MPG is to use the acetone for a couple of tanks, and then stop using it for a couple of tanks after and note whether or not there's a change in gas mileage.
Do you use acetone in your car to increase gas mileage?
If so, please contact us and tell us your story, whether good or bad. We'd love to get some first-hand accounts. In fact, if you could also include photos of you with your car or a video of you using this solvent to boost your fuel economy, that would be terrific.
