Can Adding Gasoline Additives Cause the Malfunction Indicator Light to Illuminate?

[Diego]

Adding gasoline additives can cause the malfunction indicator light to illuminate, and it is recommended to add them under the guidance of a 4S dealership. Gasoline additives, also known as fuel additives, include diesel additives as well. They are designed to compensate for the quality issues inherent in fuels and the limitations in automotive mechanical manufacturing. This helps gasoline engines overcome cold-start effects and crevice effects, while also removing carbon deposits from intake valves and fuel injectors. The functions of gasoline additives include: 1. Removing carbon deposits and cleaning the fuel system; 2. Enhancing engine performance; 3. Improving atomization and saving fuel; 4. Providing anti-corrosion, anti-rust, and lubrication to protect the engine; 5. Reducing noise, minimizing wear, and extending engine life; 6. Eliminating black smoke and reducing emissions.

[OMiguel]

As a regular car owner who just learned to drive a few years ago, I bought a bottle of fuel additive when it was being promoted at the gas station, only to have the check engine light come on within two days, which really worried me. At the repair shop, the technician explained that when additives clean carbon deposits, they can cause the oxygen sensor to misread exhaust data, making the computer system think there's an engine issue and trigger the warning light. This isn't necessarily a bad thing—it means the additive is working—but using low-quality brands or adding too much can cause more troublesome interference. The technician suggested starting with a small amount of additive for testing. If the light comes on, don't panic; try driving on the highway for a few days to let the engine adjust, and usually, the light will turn off by itself. If it stays on, then use professional tools to check the specific error code to rule out more serious problems—safety first, after all.

[MacJune]

Having driven for most of my life, I've accumulated some experience. Using additives correctly can clean carbon deposits and save fuel, but they might indeed trigger the check engine light. When that light pops up, it's often because the additive alters combustion characteristics, causing the oxygen sensor to misjudge the mixture as too rich, prompting the ECU to alert for engine protection. I've encountered this several times, especially with high-concentration additives or older car models—newer vehicles handle it better. Always follow the dosage instructions when adding; don't overdo it, or you risk short-circuiting and prolonged warning lights requiring diagnostic scans. Personally, I prefer reputable additive brands to avoid damage from inferior chemicals—a maintenance tip that saves costly repairs.

[KingstonLee]

I usually drive my kids to and from school every day. When refueling, the staff recommended an additive, so I tried it, but then the check engine light came on, which made me a bit worried. After consulting with fellow car owners, I learned that during the engine cleaning process, the additive releases deposits, causing the computer sensor to misread data and trigger a warning, which is not a serious issue. The quality of the additive is crucial; using reputable products reduces risks. After the light came on, I first checked if the engine was running normally. If there were no unusual sounds, I continued driving for a few days, and the light usually went off. Otherwise, I would go to a repair shop for inspection. Safety should not be overlooked. Additives are beneficial for maintenance, but excessive use can affect performance.