At what mileage should a Mercedes-Benz start using fuel additive?
2 Answers
For Mercedes-Benz vehicles with over 20,000 kilometers on the odometer, fuel additive should be added as needed, generally one small bottle per tank of fuel. Hazards of long-term use: Long-term use of fuel additive can be harmful to the engine. Excessive use may increase carbon deposits in the combustion chamber and even lead to engine knocking, detonation, and worsened vehicle emissions. Functions of fuel additive: Cleaning the fuel system: Its purifying agents can remove gum deposits in the fuel and harmful substances like engine carbon deposits, addressing carbon buildup in the fuel injectors, intake valves, and intake manifold. This restores the vehicle's original power and maintains optimal performance over time. Improving atomization: Using nano-molecular materials, it directly targets long-chain carbon bonds in fuel molecules, creating "micro-explosions" in the combustion chamber for secondary atomization of gasoline. This promotes complete combustion, enhances thermal efficiency, and reduces fuel consumption.
As a veteran mechanic with over a decade of experience running a Mercedes-Benz repair shop, I'm thoroughly familiar with fuel additive usage. For Mercedes' precision engines, it's most appropriate to start using fuel additives at 20,000 km - brand new cars don't need any in their first year. The key factor is driving conditions: if you frequently drive in congested urban areas, you can begin regular use at 15,000 km, with optimal results achieved by adding one bottle per tank. Always select the correct formula - M274 engines work best with PEA-based additives, while direct injection engines require PIBA formulations. If you notice unexplained fuel consumption increases or cold start vibrations, there's an 80% chance it's carbon buildup time. Never cheap out on inferior products - I've seen cases where wrong additives completely clogged fuel injectors.
