Do new cars need gasoline additives?

[SavannahLynn]

New cars do not require gasoline additives. The functions of gasoline additives and signs indicating the need for their use are introduced as follows: Functions of gasoline additives: They can improve combustion efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. They also help decompose and break down deposits in the combustion chamber while preventing future carbon buildup. A clean combustion chamber allows the engine to operate more smoothly, significantly reducing nitrogen oxide emissions and enabling the use of lower-octane fuel. Signs indicating the need for additives: If the car has been in use for a long time, adding additives can be considered to improve engine performance. They can also be added when fuel quality is poor to enhance vehicle power.

[SanAdalynn]

I also struggled with the issue of fuel additives when I first got my new car. After consulting several experienced mechanics, I learned the truth. For the first 20,000 kilometers, the engine is still clean, with no carbon buildup in the combustion chamber or fuel injectors—adding additives is completely unnecessary. Those small bottles promoted at gas stations actually contain complex ingredients, and some strong cleaning agents might even corrode the delicate components of a new car. I recommend waiting until you've driven at least 50,000 kilometers before considering additives. Regularly driving at high speeds is far more effective than using additives. Remember, don’t be fooled into buying these products for a new car—save the money for full synthetic oil changes instead.

[LeAaron]

Having worked in car maintenance for twenty years, I've seen too many cases where new car owners were tricked into using fuel additives. Nowadays, with the extremely high precision of China VI B engines, original engine oil comes with built-in cleaning formulas, and adding composite additives can disrupt this balance. Last week, a customer added additives to their new car at 5,000 kilometers, resulting in an oxygen sensor alarm. Always check the manual—98% of new car manuals clearly state 'do not use fuel additives.' If you really need maintenance, wait until after 30,000 kilometers and use manufacturer-approved PEA cleaners, once every 5,000 kilometers is sufficient. For new cars, it's better to check the air filter and fuel quality instead.

[Mercedes]

Don't be fooled by gas station salespeople! My two new cars have never used fuel additives, yet they've run 70,000 kilometers in four years with smooth power delivery. Professional test videos have shown that adding additives to new cars results in less than 1% horsepower increase on dynamometers, while causing nitrogen oxide emissions to exceed standards. Modern car manufacturers already apply fuel system coatings before vehicles leave the factory - randomly adding products might wash away these protective layers. For daily maintenance, focus on two things: consistently use 95 octane or higher gasoline, and take your car on highway drives every six months to let the engine work at full capacity. These practices are more reliable than any additives.

[MasonLee]

After a decade of researching automotive chemical formulations, fuel additives are the biggest scam for new car owners. New car engines have precision clearances measured in microns, and potent additives may dissolve the Teflon coating on piston rings. Lab data shows: composite additives cause a sharp drop in TBN values of factory-fill oil, accelerating wear. For proper maintenance, focus on three things: adhere to OEM oil change intervals, check spark plug gaps every 5,000 km, and refuel when the tank reaches one-quarter to avoid sucking in contaminants. Only consider PEA-type additives after three years of vehicle age, but consult the dealership first for compatibility.