Can Fuel Additive and Three-Way Catalytic Cleaner Be Added at the Same Time?
2 Answers
Fuel additives and three-way catalytic cleaners should not be used together. Specific details are as follows: Fuel additives: Automotive fuel additives can improve the purity of the fuel, thus providing excellent benefits to the vehicle's fuel system. On the other hand, three-way catalytic cleaners only offer partial effectiveness and are not as effective as fuel additives. Therefore, the two should not be mixed. Three-way catalytic cleaner: The method of using a three-way catalytic cleaner is the same as adding a regular fuel additive—simply pour it into the vehicle's fuel tank to mix with the fuel. Once the vehicle is started, the cleaner will enter the combustion chamber along with the gasoline, performing the corresponding cleaning work on the three-way catalytic converter.
I've been driving for twenty years and have encountered similar issues. Fuel system cleaners are primarily used to remove carbon deposits from the fuel system and are directly added to the fuel tank; catalytic converter cleaners specifically target carbon buildup and deposits in the catalytic converter, typically added through the intake or fuel line. Whether they can be used simultaneously depends on the product and the vehicle's condition. If your car is a newer model and the product manual states compatibility, it might be fine—some brands are designed to work together. However, I recommend avoiding simultaneous use, as excessive cleaners could cause chemical conflicts, leading to engine shaking, unstable power, or triggering the emission warning light. It's safer to first add the fuel system cleaner, drive a few hundred kilometers to clean the injectors, and then add the catalytic converter cleaner once the system stabilizes. Catalytic converter cleaners show noticeable effects when the converter is clogged, but overuse wastes money and harms the system. Regular maintenance keeps your car trouble-free; check the exhaust quality every 5,000 kilometers.