Have you ever come across those enticing ads online or in stores for fuel-saving dongles? These small electronic devices plug into your car’s OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) port, usually located in the driver’s footwell, promising remarkable results. They boast fuel savings of up to 15 percent, all for a modest price tag ranging from $10 to $40. It sounds like a quick and easy way to save money at the pump, doesn’t it? The initial investment would pay for itself rapidly – if these claims were actually true.
The Long History of Fuel-Saving Gadgets
Fuel-saving devices have been around for a long time in various forms. Remember fuel tank pills, magnets for fuel lines, oil additives, and numerous other products all claiming to reduce fuel consumption and emissions? These gadgets tend to resurface particularly when fuel prices are high or when driving bans are looming. However, none of the products tested by organizations like ADAC over the years have ever lived up to their promises. The best that could be said about them was that they didn’t increase fuel consumption or damage engines. Long-term effects, especially of oil additives, were often not thoroughly investigated.
Eco OBD2 Dongle by Ecomac: A Closer Look
Eco OBD2 Dongle Installed in a Car
The fuel-saving dongle is plugged into the OBD port of the car. © ADAC/Test and Technik
Now, the latest trend is the fuel-saving dongle. ADAC, in collaboration with the German computer magazine “c’t,” decided to examine one such device. The dongle, marketed by Ecomac as ecoOBD2, simply plugs into the car’s diagnostic port. It comes in blue for diesel models and green for gasoline engines – both promising fuel savings of up to 15 percent. This investigation, known as the Eco Obd2 Test Deutsch within Germany, aimed to uncover the reality behind these claims.
The findings were quite revealing: the electronics experts at “c’t” found absolutely no communication through the diagnostic port. There were simply no signals that could influence fuel consumption in any way. To function, at least two pins of the ecoOBD2 plug would need to be connected to the circuit to establish contact with the car’s CAN bus system. However, this was not the case; there was no electrical connection to the CAN bus at all.
The Dongle Only Pretends to Work
The internal components of the dongle are surprisingly simple. It contains only a voltage converter, three LEDs, and the necessary switching transistors, resistors, and capacitors. Additionally, there are eight series resistors and a button. An integrated circuit is present, but some of its pins are not even soldered. Two other pins are for the power supply, one for the switch, and three for the LEDs. The ecoOBD2 blinks and appears to be working. But that’s all it does. This eco obd2 test deutsch clearly demonstrated a lack of functionality.
Markus Sippl from the ADAC Technology Center was not surprised by the result: “If the promised effect were actually achievable, car manufacturers would have long incorporated such products as standard because they would represent a significant competitive advantage. In reality, such a small OBD dongle cannot contain technology that could provide fuel savings for almost all diesel or gasoline vehicles with different engine control units. That is completely unrealistic.”
Is the Consumer Being Deliberately Deceived?
Unfortunately, these miracle fuel-saving devices, with slightly altered appearances and names, keep reappearing on the market. The insidious part is the presentation of testimonials from supposed experts and reports from car owners who claim to have had positive experiences with these miracle products. Sometimes, questionable certificates from institutions are also presented. However, these seals of approval often only confirm that it is not prohibited to carry the devices in the vehicle – provided they are properly secured. This eco obd2 test deutsch highlights the misleading marketing tactics employed.
So, don’t be fooled by grandiose promises or supposedly scientific justifications (e.g., “electrostatic charging of bipolar hydrocarbon molecules”).
Markus Sippl advises: “We can only recommend keeping your hands off such dubious offers. Effective fuel saving can be achieved by adopting a restrained driving style and driving proactively. There are no miracle fuel-saving devices.”
“Keep your hands off such dubious offers.”
Markus Sippl, ADAC Technology Center ©ADAC/Uwe Rattay
ADAC Tips for Real Fuel Saving
- Instead of throwing money away on fuel-saving gadgets, focus on refining your driving style. This is much more effective for both the environment and your wallet. Consider completing a fuel-saving training course, such as those offered by ADAC. This can reduce your fuel consumption by up to 20 percent.
- If neighbors or acquaintances report their own successes with fuel-saving devices, consider this: Firstly, these savings were not measured under comparable conditions, and secondly, the placebo effect often plays a role. Those who use a fuel-saving product often drive more cautiously and thus more economically, subconsciously expecting lower fuel consumption.
- So far, no vehicle manufacturer has approved the use of fuel-saving devices. The vehicle owner bears sole responsibility. Although the vehicle warranty or liability for material defects does not automatically expire, the vehicle manufacturer assumes no liability for damage that is causally related to the use of fuel-saving devices. This also applies to consequential damage.
- Regular checks (e.g., tire pressure) and maintenance (e.g., filter and oil changes) help to keep fuel consumption as low as possible, as does avoiding extra weight by removing unnecessary cargo.
- Be cautious when using fuel and engine oil additives. ADAC generally recommends using the oil quality approved by the respective vehicle manufacturer for its vehicles and operating with commercially available fuel in accordance with DIN-EN standards.
- By noting your fuel consumption after each refueling and comparing it with the kilometers driven, you can determine your personal average consumption. Alternatively, you can also note and reset the consumption values and mileage of the on-board computer after each refueling. This shows changes due to winter tires, high speeds, or heavy loads during vacations – and thus leads to a more conscious approach to fuel consumption.
Expert Advice: ADAC Technology Center/Arnulf Thiemel
