With record high fuel prices around the globe, there is a mass stampede towards any product claiming fuel savings.

A word of caution to the wise -- there are literally hundreds of convincing declarations that are nothing more than hot air. So, how do we ferret out fact from fiction?

First, lets dig a little deeper. Many products may give you increased savings initially, but in the long run, costs you far more.

Did you know even before WWII, people were dropping mothballs in their fuel tanks for extra mileage? Naphthalene, the active ingredient in mothballs at that time, boosted octane levels and consequently increased fuel economy. However one major drawback -- due to the high melting point, when fuel evaporated, the naphthalene would precipitate out and block jets and filters.

Lets get to the bottom line and save some time. How do we separate the chaff from the wheat?

First, find out if the product you are looking at is new to the market or has a historically proven record. Many newer products are simply opportunists capitalizing on the market -- some have even repackaged naphthalene and are selling it under a new name.

Since most of us are trying to save money on fuel prices, prudence would lean towards a product with a historically proven record.

Find out if the product is a fuel additive or a fuel conditioner there is a huge difference. Simply put, there are many fuel additives that have no benefit and may even be harmful to your engine, causing more problems than they cure. Most knowledgeable vehicle owners are wary of using fuel additives.

Dont be mislead by thinking a fuel conditioner is actually an additive because you add it to the fuel. Sounds logical, but thats a misconception even mechanics often do not understand.

Find a good fuel conditioner that is hydrocarbon compatible (gas and diesel are hydrocarbon motor fuels), made from high vacuum and distillation processes, which not only cleanses, but also lubricates and continues to keep the engine, its components, and fuel clean.

Look for a fuel conditioner that works on a molecular level to reformulate fuel so that it can eliminate and prevent carbon deposits, varnishes, lacquers, glazes, etc. from forming or being left behind as residue.

Also make sure the fuel conditioner does not contain damaging chemicals such as sulfur, metal destroying acids, chlorinate, lime, carbon tetrachloride, etc.

And most importantly, find a fuel conditioner that significantly reduces pollution. Pollution reduction is a relatively safe indication of optimal fuel economy, since pollution is simply the result of uncombusted fuel that exits in the form of emissions. And by the way, most vehicles, regardless of age or size, waste between 40% to 60% of fuel simply because of inefficient combustion.

Heres a fairly simple test you can do to indicate fuel efficiency via emissions. I call it the White Cloth Test. Simply place a loosely knit white cloth, e.g., handkerchief, over your tailpipe and fasten with a rubberband or thin wire. Then turn your vehicle on and let it idle for about 15 minutes, making sure the exhaust is exiting. Then turn vehicle off and remove cloth. The darker the color, the less efficient. Then once you introduce a fuel conditioner, after about the 2nd tank, do another test using a clean cloth. If your fuel conditioner is working efficiently, then the cloth will remain white.

Following these few simple tips will give you the edge when deciding which product will actually safely provide you increased fuel economy.