Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the BLADE?
A: The BLADE is an innovative device that easily attaches to a vehicle’s tailpipe. It reduces greenhouse gasses and toxic emissions that cause air pollution, and it increases fuel economy for better gas mileage.
Q: How does the BLADE work?
A: Click here for explanation.
Q: How is the BLADE different from other aftermarket products which claim to increase fuel economy and reduce emissions?
A: There are over one hundred devices and fuel additives that claim to increase fuel economy. Unlike the BLADE, none of these devices have demonstrated improvements in fuel economy or reductions of emissions under the EPA’s 511 protocol.
In many cases these devices actually increase vehicle emissions and decrease fuel economy.
Q: What evidence exists to prove that the BLADE increases fuel economy and decrease emissions?
A: The Blade has undergone some of the most rigorous emissions and fuel economy testing in the world.
The BLADE's laboratory fuel economy and emissions testing were conducted by Lactec Laboratories in Curitiba, Brazil, and by Automotive Testing and Development Services, Inc. (ATDS), a California based independent testing laboratory which is accepted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is licensed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
At Lactec, the BLADE was tested on a 2003 Fiat Strata and a 2006 Toyota Corolla using the EPA’s FTP-75 emissions test protocol. Both vehicles achieved significant emissions reductions, while increasing fuel economy by 7% and 9% respectively.
The testing of the Blade by ATDS was conducted in strict accordance with 40 CFR 86 and California Title 13, and following the EPA 511 Test Protocol (EPA Motor Vehicle Aftermarket Retrofit Device Evaluation Program). The EPA-511 Protocol is a combination of the EPA’s FTP-75 emissions test, and its highway fuel economy tests. EPA 511 testing is rigorous: testing three times without the device and 3 times with the device. EPA 511 results of this test are considered statistically valid.
The BLADE's ATDS test results showed an increase in fuel economy of 2.7 miles-per-gallon in the city, and 5 miles-per-gallon in highway driving. Combined city and highway emissions results were:
The BLADE's reduced highway emissions up to:
| Emissions | THC | CO | NOX | CO2 | CH4 |
| Reductions | 57% | 14% | 34% | 6% | 33% |
The BLADE's average effect on emissions were:
| Emissions | THC | CO | NOX | CO2 | CH4 |
| Reductions | 35% | 2% | 13% | 5% | 30% |
THC = Total Hydrocarbons, CO = Carbon Monoxide, NOX = Nitrogen Oxides
CO2 = Carbon Dioxide, CH4 = Methane, NMHA = Non-methanic Hydrocarbons
Q: Is the technology of the BLADE better than the technology of a hybrid car in its ability to reduce emissions and increase fuel economy?
A: The ideal combination of technology would be a hybrid with a BLADE installed on it. Hybrid’s get much better fuel economy in the city than on the highway. This is the opposite of non-hybrid vehicles. The reason for this is, when a hybrid is driving in the city, it relies mainly on battery power, and when it's on the highway it burns gasoline like any other car. The BLADE's effect on a hybrid is to increase its fuel economy and reduce its emissions when it is running on gasoline--on the highway.
Q: How much does the BLADE cost?
A: The Blade retails for $199.00. The price of a replacement cartridge is $19.99.
Q: Where can I buy a BLADE?
A: You can buy a Blade at BladeYourRide.com by clicking here. You can also click here to find a retailer or distributor in your area.
Q: How do you install a Blade?
A: The BLADE is easy to install. Click here for instructions.
Q: Will the BLADE have any negative effects on my vehicle?
A: The Blade has been endurance tested on vehicles in the United States, Europe and Latin America, with no adverse effects on test vehicles after 40,000 miles.
Torque tests have been performed on vehicles using the Blade. As expected, these tests showed a loss of high-end horsepower of approximately 4%, however, vehicles using the Blade also showed increases in low-end torque.
The loss in horsepower is negligible, and can not be felt unless a driver is maxing out the vehicles rpm’s. The Blade is not a performance product; it is a product to reduce emissions and increase fuel economy. If top-end horsepower is a concern, we recommend that you not buy a Blade.
Q: Will using the BLADE void my vehicle's warranty?
A: The BLADE will not void your vehicle's warranty.
The Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act of 1974 states that aftermarket equipment that improves performance does not automatically void a vehicle manufacture's original warranty unless the warranty clearly states the addition of the aftermarket equipment automatically voids your vehicle's warranty, or that it can be proven that the aftermarket device is the direct cause of the failure in question.
The Act further states that a dealer must prove, not just vocalize, that the aftermarket equipment caused the need for repairs before it can deny warranty coverage. If the dealer cannot prove such a claim—or it offers a questionable explanation—it is your legal right to demand compliance with the warranty. This Act is administered and enforced by the FTC (Federal Trade Commission).
Q: Why didn’t the big car companies think of this?
A: Why would they? Car companies focus on two main systems: the fuel delivery system, and the catalytic converter. Although going to the tailpipe would be the last place anyone would look to increase fuel economy and reduce emissions, the car companies are trying to achieve the same result through upgrades to the fuel delivery system. Toyota, in fact, has found a way to achieve a higher air/fuel ratio which will affect similar benefits.
Remember, the Blade was discovered by accident. It is counter-intuitive to go to the tailpipe to achieve fuel economy increases and reductions of gaseous emission. It is however, logical to focus on the tailpipe to achieve gasoline particulate (hydrocarbon) reductions, which was the goal of the Blade when it was designed.
