Competition Bureau Issues Warning to Canadians on Gas Saving Devices

The Competition Bureau is warning Canadian consumers to be aware of false claims about so-called gas saving devices that supposedly improve fuel efficiency, reduce harmful emissions and reduce repair costs on a vehicle's engine.

These devices are advertised in garages and accredited installation centres, in newspapers, on the radio and Internet and range in price from $100 to $600. Canadians are cautioned against considering such an investment on the basis of representations which suppliers may not be able to substantiate. The Competition Bureau is currently unaware of any credible scientific evidence that could demonstrate that such products can significantly improve fuel efficiency.

What the law says

Under the Competition Act, it is prohibited to make representations to the public that are false or misleading in a material respect. It is also prohibited to make statements about the performance or efficacy of products that are not based on adequate and proper tests. Sellers must be able to prove all claims made about the product.

The effects of false or misleading representations

False or misleading representations can have serious economic consequences, especially when directed toward a large audience or if they take place over a long period of time. They can affect both business competitors who are engaging in honest promotional efforts, and consumers who are often enticed to make purchases based on false or unsubstantiated claims and for whom it is difficult to evaluate the accuracy of the claims.

What you can do to protect yourself

• Take your time: Shop around.
• Ask to see a copy of the gas saving device's tests.
• Be wary: If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is.
• Think you've been misled? Report it to the Competition Bureau.

The Competition Bureau considers the making of bogus product claims a serious matter and does not hesitate to take enforcement action against those who make such claims. Deceptive performance claims made about a product are particularly egregious because it is often very difficult for purchasers of the product to evaluate the accuracy of the technical information. That is why the Competition Act puts the onus on sellers to have in hand adequate and proper tests to substantiate any representations.

Anyone who feels they may have been misled by a representation about a gas saving device should contact the Competition Bureau at 1-800-348-5358 or by visiting our Web site.

The Bureau produces CD-ROMS and publications on various aspects of the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, the Textile Labelling Act and the Precious Metals Marking Act. To find out more about our CD-ROMs and publications, contact the Information Centre: Information Centre Competition Bureau 50 Victoria Street Gatineau QC K1A 0C9 Toll-free: 1-800-348-5358 National Capital Region: 819-997-4282 TDD (for hearing impaired): 1-800-642-3844 Fax: 819-997-0324 E-mail: compbureau@cb-bc.gc.ca Web site: www.competitionbureau.gc.ca This publication is only a guide. It provides basic information about the Competition Bureau and the acts it administers. For further information, you should refer to the full text of the acts or contact the Competition Bureau at one of the numbers listed above.

Cat. No. Iu54-5/2006
ISBN 0-662-49102-5

For media enquiries, please contact:
Maureen McGrath
Communications Advisor
Competition Bureau
819-953-8982 or 613-296-2187 (cell)

For general enquiries, please contact:
Information Centre
Competition Bureau
819-997-4282
1-800-348-5358