Are Fuel Additives Useful?
2 Answers
Fuel additives are useful. They can improve vehicle exhaust emissions, contributing to environmental protection, but they must be used properly to be effective. Fuel additives, often referred to as "fuel enhancers," are functional substances added to fuel to improve combustion efficiency, save fuel, and reduce vehicle emissions. After using fuel additives, they can clean the fuel injectors, primarily removing carbon deposits on the injectors, ensuring the engine operates normally and maintains proper power output.
I've been driving a sedan to commute for several years and have some thoughts about fuel additives. At first, I didn't believe in them, thinking they were just gimmicks. But later, as my car aged, the engine started making a humming noise, and acceleration felt sluggish after refueling. A friend suggested I try adding one bottle. After using a well-known brand of cleaning additive, the engine ran much smoother, the noise reduced, and acceleration became more responsive. My fuel consumption dropped from 10L/100km to around 9.5L/100km, saving me a bit of money. Additives mainly work chemically to remove carbon deposits in the fuel system, maintaining combustion efficiency, which is especially beneficial for older vehicles. There are cleaning additives and octane boosters on the market. I recommend choosing based on your car's age—for cars over five years like mine, cleaning additives are the right choice. Adding one bottle regularly, every 5,000 kilometers, can serve as preventive maintenance, much cheaper than waiting for repairs. Of course, don't expect dramatic changes. If your car is new and problem-free, the effects might not be very noticeable, but overall, it's a practical small investment.
