Are Fuel Additives Harmful to the Engine?
4 Answers
Fuel additives are generally not harmful to the engine. Here is some knowledge about engine oil: 1. Introduction: Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant, has a density of approximately 0.91kg×10³. It serves multiple functions such as lubrication and wear reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion protection, and shock absorption. It is often referred to as the 'blood' of the car. Engine oil consists of two main components: base oil and additives. The base oil is the primary component of the lubricant, determining its fundamental properties, while additives compensate for and enhance the shortcomings of the base oil, providing additional performance benefits. Additives are a crucial part of engine oil. 2. Requirements: As a type of machinery, engines have common requirements for lubricants similar to other mechanical systems, such as appropriate viscosity, oxidation resistance, wear resistance, corrosion protection, and viscosity-temperature performance. However, engines are also unique machinery with specific and specialized requirements for lubricants.
I've always thought that using fuel additives occasionally is quite beneficial for average car owners. They are primarily designed to clean carbon deposits and gum inside the engine, which can help restore some performance, such as improved throttle response. However, excessive use or choosing the wrong product, like silicon-containing additives, might damage oxygen sensors or even cause combustion issues. Additionally, some additives are designed for specific problems, like cleaning injector deposits, but may excessively corrode seals in older vehicles. So my advice is not to use them indiscriminately—opt for reputable brands like STP or Red Line, and follow the manual's recommendation of using them every 5,000 kilometers. Overall, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks as long as they're used properly—there's little harm when used correctly.
Hey, I'm a car enthusiast, and additives really depend on how you use them. Genuine additives like cleaners can dissolve carbon deposits, improve combustion efficiency, and help you save some fuel; while octane boosters can be somewhat useful for low-octane gasoline. But the downside is, if the additive contains metal components, like manganese-based ones, long-term use might clog the catalytic converter, causing excessive exhaust emissions. Additionally, in diesel vehicles, using the wrong type, such as gasoline additives, might corrode the cylinder block. I suggest everyone check their vehicle manual first—many manufacturers don't recommend additional additives unless they're certified. In short, these aren't cure-alls; choosing the right timing and brand is key.
I think additives also have an impact on the environment, which indirectly affects engine health. If additives contain volatile organic compounds, they can increase pollution during emissions, and over time may damage environmental components like the DPF filter, ultimately harming the engine. On the other hand, high-quality cleaning additives can reduce carbon footprints and keep the engine running efficiently. As a regular user, I pay attention to eco-friendly brands like Valvoline and avoid using toxic chemicals. Be careful not to overuse them, as excessive amounts may cause fuel line blockages or irregular combustion, which can be harmful. Simply put, choosing green products and using them reasonably makes the engine much safer.
