CLEVELAND -- With gas costing more than $4 per gallon in the Cleveland-Akron area, new products have started popping up that promise to save on gas.

But NewsChannel5 Consumer Specialist John Matarese found one device that does work to improve mileage.

Travis Pelsor with AAA agreed to test out a new gas-saving gadget called the Digital Fuel Mizer.

It doesn’t promise to rearrange gas molecules or turn water into hydrogen. It simply registers G-forces and blinks with a red light when you hit the gas or brakes too hard.

"I think it will help [drivers] be more aware of how [they’re] accelerating," said Pelsor.

Pelsor tested the Digital Fuel Mizer on his Jeep. He mounted the device on the dashboard and suddenly had a virtual nanny or parent-like reminder to avoid accelerating too fast.

When Pelsor floored the accelerator at a red light, the Mizer lit up and beeped loudly. Pelsor said, “It helps make me aware of how I’m accelerating and driving and stopping. It makes me pay attention to my driving style.”

But with its constant beeping, Pelsor said he was reminded of an old-fashioned radar detector, sounding annoying false alarms.

That might be enough to make some drivers turn off the Mizer. In fact, Pelsor said drivers can accomplish the same type of reminder by simply placing a cup of water in the car’s cup holder. If the water spills, you’re driving too aggressively.

The Digital Fuel Mizer sells online for $49. As for the hundreds of other purported fuel-saving devices, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has tested hundreds and none have made a significant difference in fuel efficiency.