Despite any intermittent dip in pump prices, economists are certain that crude oil prices will continue to rise in the long–term. So where does this leave the average consumer like you and me who are trying to take the pain out of re–fueling at the pumps? Well, there are many gas saving tips that have been tried and tested by car owners, but the one alternative that stands out and getting very popular is the hydrogen fuel kit.

This technology is not new. Almost a century ago, HHO, also known as oxyhydrogen or Brown's gas, has been widely used in welding works, blow torches, lamps and high–heat metallurgy ovens. The current high gas prices have pushed the adaptation of the same technology in the automotive industry.

A hydrogen fuel kit utilizes the process of electrolysis to break down water into its basic elements of hydrogen and oxygen before recombining to form HHO gas. This gas is injected into the fuel mixture of a car's internal combustion engine. HHO increases the combustion rate of your regular gasoline, potentially yielding anywhere between 50% – 70% in MPG improvement, as well as significant reduction in harmful emissions.

How much HHO do you actually need? Well, one liter of water makes over 1860 liters of HHO. This is enough to last for months for a typical family car! Despite claims of «run your car on water» or the like, well, you should know that water does not burn and thus cannot totally replace gasoline as fuel. It is HHO that plays a key role in this technology by supplementing gasoline to boost fuel economy.

The hydrogen fuel kit is installed under the hood of the car along with the reservoir for the water, drawing the necessary electric current for electrolysis from the car's internal power supply. Do–it–yourself conversion manuals typically cost between $50–$100, while the parts and materials can be cheaply acquired for less than $150. This is why this DIY technology is fast gaining appeal among car owners. Custom–made installations can be done by an auto parts dealer or your local car mechanic, but this can set you back by up to $2,000.

You'll be glad to know that besides immediate gas savings, you're also eligible to claim significant IRS tax benefits simply for using clean–burning fuel. Since 2005, the IRS started providing tax benefits to car owners who «go green». These benefits range from $2,000 for a regular family sedan to $50,000 for large commercial trucks. Furthermore, the U.S. government also subsidizes the cost of installation of devices that results in cleaner gas emissions. Besides hydrogen–powered cars and hybrid cars, cars using water as fuel are also eligible.

The hydrogen fuel kit is fast gaining popularity. Many drivers are already jumping onto this bandwagon and are successfully saving $1000s on gas cost each year. What about you?