Does the Civic Need Fuel Additives?
2 Answers
It can be added or not. From an environmental perspective: It is better to use fuel additives sparingly. Regularly checking and cleaning engine carbon deposits is a reasonable maintenance solution. Fuel additives are generally about 50 milliliters and can effectively remove carbon deposits on the fuel injectors and the intake valves when mixed with gasoline, thereby improving atomization and saving fuel. Some fuel additives also improve the lubricating properties of gasoline, which can enhance engine performance to some extent. Negative effects: Because the content of fuel additives in gasoline is very low, they are mostly burned up before reaching the top of the piston. Therefore, they cannot remove carbon deposits on the piston top and may even contribute to an increase in carbon deposits there.
I drove a Civic for several years, and honestly, whether to use fuel additives depends on the specific situation. If your car has a turbocharged or direct-injection engine, like my 1.5T version, and you frequently drive short distances in the city, the fuel system is prone to carbon buildup. Additives, such as cleaning types, can help remove carbon deposits, improve engine smoothness, and enhance fuel efficiency. I add one bottle every 5,000 kilometers, and I feel the throttle response becomes quicker, and fuel consumption slightly decreases. However, if you often drive on highways or your new engine performs well, adding additives may not make much difference. The key is to choose reliable brands—don’t go for cheap, unknown ones, as they might damage sensors. Regularly checking your car’s condition is more important than randomly adding additives.