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Anon

Have you any comments about installing an HHO (Brown's gas) converter to a car in NZ.

There seems to be a lot of info on the web about running cars on 'water' as a fuel additive with 40-70% improvement, quieter engine and more power.

But I can't find any info in NZ. Overseas experience would suggest it is a good (and relatively cheap) way to reduce ones fuel usage.

Rosanne

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December, 2009

jbiddle

There are a number of products on the market claiming a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions along with either an increase or no loss of performance.

The NZAA has a policy of not endorsing such products. This is based on the fact we do not have the facilities to carry out the in-depth testing required to be able to confirm or dispute the claim results for the huge range of vehicles (make / model / age) currently on our roads.

We have no evidence to support any of the claims made. Likewise, we have no evidence to suggest their claims have not met customer's expectations.

I don't know anything about the HHO system, does it use water to carry out a conversion to hydrogen? I am aware of attempts to launch similar products onto the NZ market in recent times.

The cost of some of these conversions can be extremely high which needs to be careful weighed up, as does any on-going maintenance that may be required. Ongoing support for such a modification is another question you may need to be asking from the supplier also.

If there is no distributor in NZ for the HHO system then you are already entering into high risk territory.

Making contact with the new vehicle distributor for the make and model of your vehicle to discuss any such modification may also be wise.

From my experience, there is no magic bullet which will dramatically reduce every vehicles fuel consumption currently on our roads.

Looking at how we drive, when we drive, what we drive, keeping our vehicles well serviced and checking items like tyre pressures on a regular basis are, in my view, still the first steps.