Consumer Law News

In MI, Consumer Protection Efforts Strengthens For Travelers

June 30, 2006, LANSING, MI - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that with the summer season in full swing, surveillance of gas stations has been stepped up to ensure that Michigan travelers are not being taken advantage of at the gas pump.

"With gas prices remaining around $3.00 a gallon, we must do all that we can to ensure that consumers are protected at the pump," said Granholm. "We've put a record number of gas inspectors on the street and are stepping up undercover inspections for seven-days-a-week surveillance."

The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) will inspect an estimated 10,500 pumps this fiscal year. In 2005, approximately 7,000 pumps were inspected and 1,600 quality and quantity complaints investigated.

Motorists can help increase their protection by making sure that the price display on the gas pump is set to zero before the pump starts and verifying that the sign on the roadway matches the price on the pump before fueling.

Consumers can also improve their fuel economy by controlling the factors that burn more fuel. Following these steps will improve gas mileage, extend vehicle life, and make travel safer:

• Keep your engine tuned; maintain tires at the correct pressure; change the air filter regularly; and use energy-saving motor oil.
• Avoid aggressive driving - like rapid accel eration and braking. It can lower fuel economy up to 33 percent on the highway and five percent around town. This can cost as much as $0.49 per gallon.
• Speeding which creates more wind resistance. Each five mph driven over 60 mph can cost an additional $0.10 per gallon.
• Be aware that running electric accessories like an air conditioner can reduce fuel economy by five to twenty-five percent.

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	Did You Know?
	While a product might not have a written warranty, under state law, consumers are guaranteed certain implied warranties.