Does PEA concentrate harm the car?
4 Answers
PEA concentrate does not harm the car. Functions of PEA concentrate: PEA concentrate refers to undiluted 100% polyetheramine with a molecular weight of 1000, which can be stored for 3 years when properly sealed. It is mainly used to remove carbon deposits in cars. Precautions for using PEA: This type of cleaning fuel additive should be used periodically, typically added once every few thousand kilometers. Continuous use is not recommended as it may cause engine shaking, increased fuel consumption, and other issues. Due to the relatively high viscosity of polyetheramine FL1000, patience is required when pouring it directly into the fuel tank. It is advisable to use several small empty bottles to transfer the concentrate from the large bottle into smaller bottles before adding it to the fuel tank.
I was also struggling with this issue a while ago. Having used several bottles of PEA concentrate myself, I found the key lies in the concentration and carrier oil. High concentration isn't necessarily bad, but you really shouldn't overdo it. The first time I added an excessive amount to my old car, it nearly shook like Parkinson's during cold start. Only later did I learn that the concentrate needs to be diluted with fuel. Now I consistently add 30ml per 5,000 kilometers mixed with a full tank of gas, and the injector carbon buildup has noticeably decreased, with exhaust fumes no longer being pungent. However, for new car owners, I'd recommend opting for pre-mixed fuel additives instead - they're hassle-free and come with built-in dispersants to protect the fuel system.
Last time during maintenance, I specifically asked the mechanic. He said using a small amount of PEA concentrate is actually safe, but there are three points to note: don't use it in diesel vehicles, the concentration should not exceed 0.5%, and after using it continuously for three tanks of fuel, you should stop for two weeks. I tried adding it to my hybrid car at a ratio of 1:3000, and it did improve idle vibration. However, if you notice increased water discharge from the exhaust pipe or a sudden spike in fuel consumption, it means the solvent wasn't chosen correctly. It's recommended to mix it with 92-octane gasoline as the carrier for the safest results.
From a chemical perspective, PEA molecules themselves are mild, with the main risk to vehicles lying in the solvent carrier. Some manufacturers cut costs by using heavy aromatics, which can corrode fuel pump seals with continuous use. Based on my experience, it's best to choose a concentrate with n-pentane or isooctane as the solvent, and shake it well to mix before adding to the fuel. A maximum of 40ml per dose is recommended, which works particularly well for direct injection engines. Remember to avoid ethanol-blended gasoline, as it tends to cause separation.
