Do you want to buy Optrimo Fuel Saver after seeing its Ads on Facebook? Is it true that this device really reduce vehicle’s fuel consumption? Here’s a honest report. We bought and tested the Optrimo fuel saving device as requested by our readers.
What is Optrimo?
Optrimo is promoted as an energy-efficient fuel-saving chip that works on car’s On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD2) port. It is said to analyze data from car’s Engine Control Unit (ECU), then uses advanced technology to detect how efficient fuel consumption on a car currently is and immediately makes adjustments. By so doing, the Optrimo Fuel Saver claims to significantly save fuel (20-30%)
Testing The Optrimo Gas Saver on a 2008 Prius
After stumbling on Optrimo Gas Saver Facebook Ads, I decided to place and order to see if it actually works. Clicking on the Ad, took us to the product and checkout page, were we paid for 1 Optrimo at $39. In two weeks, we received the chip, which surprisingly came all the way from China.
Our first test was in a 2008 Prius. Since it claims to save 20% fuel, we expected to lost about 3mpg for a 150 miles drive. Sadly, it didn’t work for us. We lost about 6 mpg, even though we didn’t drive up to150 miles.
So I decided to try it on a 2003 Ford Expedition as well. The little light keeps flashing, so we don’t know if that means it can’t communicate with the 2003 Ford or not.
Does Optrimo Really Reduce Fuel Consumption?
Optrimo Plug & Drive OBD device does not work in reducing fuel consumption. When we opened and dissected it, we discovered it doesn’t have any drive for CAM.
Secondly, the unit DO NOT have any connection to OBD communication. Only what is connected is Power for the flasher to flash. In order to do what these companies claim, you would have to redesign the car. The major parts of how much fuel any car uses are: vehicle weight, tire size, rolling resistance, friction in moving parts, number of moving parts in the driveline, etc. There is nothing plug and play that can alter these basic factors.
Optrimo doesn’t affect fuel consumption in any way. Let’s be realistic – it was only made for profits. It is simply a magnet that you fasten to your fuel line. This chip doesn’t re-align the molecular structure of the fuel before it reaches the fuel injectors. It is just an expensive LED flasher.
Is Optrimo Fuel Saver a Scam?
The Optrimo Fuel Saver falls into the category of deceptive marketing scams. The claims made by the advertisements and the invention story are false. Optrimo is not a ground breaking device, It is just a piece of junk that we’ve seen recycled many times.
As of 2017 this same product entered the market. It was ‘Ecofuel’, and similar to Optrimo it didn’t do zilch. Although they’re sold under different names, with unique packaging and have fancy websites, these OBD2 fuel savers are all scams and should be avoided at all costs.
What these sites do is buy hundreds (if not thousands) of generic OBD2 fuel savers from China for $3 a piece (or less,) design their own packaging, and re-sell it to you for $40 a piece.
If you’re thinking of reducing fuel consumption, Energy.GOV has a list of helpful fuel-saving tips including combining trips, stripping your car of unnecessary weight, keeping your car in tip-top shape, and how to avoid aggressive driving.
By themselves, each tip might not seem like a lot but, combined over time, the fuel-savings make a difference.
Precaution
Aside from receiving a device that doesn’t work, there’s a possibility of being a victim of the following scams;
- unauthorized charges on credit cards
- padded Bill
- Automatic VIP membership subscription – Victims get charged a monthly subscription fee for unwanted items such as online health magazines etc.
- Non-delivery of items purchased
Whatever be the case, here’s what to do if you’re affected by the scam;
Cancel your credit card
Immediately call your financial provider and cancel your credit card. By so doing, the credit card details you used for your transaction would become null and void.
Request for a new card
After the old credit card has been cancelled, ask for a new card, it doesn’t cost much to get one.Your credit card issuer will issue you a new one with different numbers.
Report the Fraud To Relevant Authorities
Report the scam to relevant authorities and organizations. This includes:
- Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): If you are in the United States, you can file a complaint with the IC3 at https://www.ic3.gov/.
- Your Local Consumer Protection Agency: Contact your local consumer protection agency or the equivalent regulatory body in your country.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): File a complaint with the BBB if the online store is based in the United States.
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