or the hassles that went with it. If

you’re not ready to make the switch,

use a chimney-type starter or electric

probe instead of lighter fluid, and

use wood briquettes instead of easy-

light charcoal.

Q I’ve read about fuel-additive

pills that raise the octane level

of gas and increase fuel econo-

my by 12 to 20 percent. Do they

really work? —EMMA O’DAY

A It sounds too good to be true

and, sadly, it is. With the current gas

crunch, octane pills and powders

have cropped up with grand promises

but little credibility. They haven’t

been tested by the EPA and have failed

miserably when independently tested.

I spoke to fuel-efficiency experts and

my car mechanic, and none of them

knows of a legitimate octane pill.

My mechanic pointed out that such

“magic pills” have been around since

the 1920s. If you’re determined to

try them, remember that tampering

with your gas tank voids your car’s

warranty and that fuel-pump repairs

are costly.

a

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