September 3, 2007

Boston Globe

 

Maker of Tailpipe Tool Says It Boosts Fuel Efficiency, Reduces Emissions

 

 

Maker of Tailpipe Tool Says It Boosts Fuel Efficiency, Reduces Emissions

 

I've often fantasized about owning a green grease car, something like the waste veggie oil-powered El Camino Darryl Hannah used to drive around Telluride.

 

But the problem with WVO and bio-diesel (at least some of the homemade stuff), is that cold weather and impurities can gum up your car's works, and my wife insists on having a reliable set of wheels.

 

I may have found a simpler and less risky way to "green my ride." Sabertec, headed by Brockton-born William J. O'Brien, says its $150 add-on for your car's tailpipe will cut fuel consumption and emissions by making the car's catalytic converter and oxygen sensor work more efficiently.

 

You can get the device, called the Blade (bladeyourride.com), installed at Woodward's Auto Parts Express in Brockton or Ideal Automotive Services in Somerville. Or you can install it yourself. Sabertec says the job takes about 20 minutes.

 

Ideal Automotive's service manager, Skip Hansen, said he charges $199 for the Blade, including installation. He has sold 32 so far.

 

The Blade, attached to the end of the tailpipe, creates back pressure in your exhaust system. That will lead to more accurate oxygen sensor readings, and more efficient combustion, Sabertec says. Translation: The Blade can improve gas mileage by up to 30 percent and may save you over $1,000 a year in fuel costs, the company says.

 

The Blade reduces emissions of particulates, hydrocarbons, and other pollutants and helps to heat up the car's catalytic converter, so that it begins to treat emissions sooner after start-up, Sabertec says.

 

The Blade will also diminish exhaust-system noise - another plus. But that means Hansen will probably not be installing many Blades on Honda Civic low riders.