How often should fuel injector cleaner be used?
2 Answers
It is recommended to clean the fuel injectors every 20,000 kilometers. For ordinary car owners, cleaning every 30,000 kilometers is also acceptable to ensure good vehicle condition and fuel quality. Regularly using additives can help maintain the cleanliness of the fuel injectors. Power loss: Blockage of the fuel injector's needle valve and valve hole can affect the performance of the electronic injection system's precision components, leading to reduced power output. It is advisable to clean the fuel injectors regularly. Engine damage: Poor fuel quality can cause the fuel injectors to malfunction, leading to severe carbon buildup in the cylinders, accelerated wear of the cylinder walls and piston rings, unstable idling, increased fuel consumption, poor acceleration, difficulty starting, and excessive emissions. In severe cases, the fuel injectors can become completely clogged, resulting in engine damage.
After driving for so many years, I've always used fuel injector cleaner based on mileage. My habit is to add it every 15,000 to 20,000 kilometers, as most of my driving is stop-and-go in the city, where carbon deposits tend to build up. If not cleaned regularly, the car starts to shake, loses acceleration power, and fuel consumption increases. Once I was lazy and waited until 30,000 kilometers to clean it, and the engine warning light came on—the repair cost was much higher than buying the cleaner. When cleaning, I usually add a full bottle to the fuel tank after filling up, and a highway drive shows the effect. In terms of brands, I've tried many, like Volkswagen's or 3M, which work well. Remember not to overuse it—twice a year is enough. It's best to combine it with the maintenance cycle, such as using the cleaner every two minor services, to keep the vehicle running smoothly and extend the engine's lifespan.
