Can Fuel Additive Be Poured In After Refueling?
3 Answers
It is not advisable to add fuel additive after refueling. The correct sequence for adding fuel additive should be to pour the additive first, followed by refueling. This allows the fuel additive to mix uniformly with the fuel under the impact of fuel injection, thereby achieving optimal performance. Below is relevant information about fuel additives: Fuel additive, commonly known as fuel enhancer (also referred to as gasoline additive or fuel treatment), is a type of fuel additive designed to compensate for certain deficiencies in gasoline and impart new beneficial characteristics. It serves functions such as cleaning system carbon deposits, increasing octane rating, improving atomization, reducing wear, and protecting the engine.
Veteran Driver's Experience: I've been using fuel additives for many years. At first, I didn't pay attention to the sequence and tried adding the additive after refueling a few times. The result was the additive floating on top of the fuel without fully mixing, significantly reducing the cleaning effect. Now I've learned better: it's best to add the fuel additive when the tank is nearly empty, then fill up with gas. The force of refueling helps the additive dissolve evenly, which is particularly effective for cleaning fuel injectors. If you add the additive after refueling, although it might work, the additive tends to accumulate in corners, requiring you to stomp on the accelerator to shake the car—this is quite troublesome and may waste money. Also, regarding safety, don't overfill to avoid spills that could dirty the car. From my perspective, following the product instructions is the most hassle-free approach. Don't cut corners for convenience, as the car's engine needs long-term maintenance. Using the wrong sequence over time can lead to more severe carbon buildup.
New Driver's Guide: When I first got my license, I tried adding fuel system cleaner after refueling, which seemed convenient. But later, a car-savvy friend warned me that this sequence might lead to uneven dissolution of the additive, affecting engine cleaning efficiency. Now I always pour the fuel system cleaner into the tank first, then add fresh gasoline, allowing the fuel flow to better mix the solution. In practice, wrong sequence won't immediately damage your car, but long-term misuse can reduce fuel efficiency - you might notice weaker power or increased consumption. My advice for beginners: start with the simple method - add the cleaner when fuel level is low to avoid overflow. Pro tip: choose reputable products and use them periodically to maintain performance. Never overlook these small details.
