Is Fuel Additive Effective?

[DeLincoln]

Adding fuel additive to your car is beneficial as it helps resolve carbon deposit issues in the fuel system of fuel-injected vehicles, quickly restoring the engine to optimal performance. With continuous use, it can eliminate carbon buildup troubles in the fuel injectors, intake valves, and intake manifolds of the fuel system. Below is relevant information about fuel additives: 1. The main component of fuel additives is high-molecular-weight ashless surfactants, which dissolve in automotive fuel and can break down, detach, and disperse carbon deposits accumulated on metal surfaces. These are then encapsulated into carbon particle micelles and enter the combustion chamber along with the fresh air-fuel mixture for combustion. Some non-combustible carbon deposits are expelled through the vehicle's exhaust. 2. Utilizing nano-molecular materials, gasoline additives directly attack the long-chain carbon bonds in fuel molecules, creating "micro-explosions" in the combustion chamber. This results in secondary atomization of gasoline, promoting complete combustion, enhancing thermal efficiency, and reducing fuel consumption.

[SanJude]

As for fuel additives, it depends on the specific situation. My old car has been running for eight years, and during every maintenance check, the mechanic would point out severe carbon buildup on the intake valves. Later, on a friend's recommendation, I started using fuel additives. After consistently using them for three full tanks of gas, I did notice the throttle felt more responsive, and the idle vibration reduced. However, it's crucial to buy reputable brands containing PEA (Polyether Amine) ingredients, as off-brand products might damage the fuel injectors. New cars don't need them at all—the maintenance manual doesn't require it. Most importantly, don’t expect instant results; it takes about three to four consecutive bottles to see noticeable effects. Think of it as giving your engine a deep cleanse.

[DiBennett]

I've been using fuel additives for five or six years, and I consider them as car maintenance products. For someone like me who frequently drives short distances in the city, the throttle valve is particularly prone to carbon buildup. Regularly adding fuel additives helps maintain the engine's condition. But don't believe those marketing claims saying it can save 20% on fuel—it's a myth. In reality, you might save at most about 3%. The key is to buy products certified by API and pour the entire bottle into an empty fuel tank before refueling to ensure the effect is maximized. As for the results, my wife's small car didn't show any noticeable improvement, but my old MPV had noticeably lighter exhaust fumes after using it.

[LaOscar]

The effectiveness of fuel additives depends on the car's condition. When my car had weak acceleration at 60,000 kilometers, the mechanic suggested trying fuel additives first. After using two bottles, I noticed much smoother cold starts, indicating it helps with mild carbon buildup. However, three points should be noted: First, strictly follow the recommended dosage—overuse may trigger the check engine light. Second, it's not recommended for new cars under 30,000 kilometers. Third, it cannot replace regular maintenance; necessary intake system cleaning should still be performed. Opting for reputable international brands is safer—avoid unverified products from social media sellers.

[RiverFitz]

I recently researched fuel additives. The main ingredients are detergents and combustion improvers, which are effective in cleaning fuel injectors and valve deposits. However, the market is flooded with mixed-quality products, so the key lies in the formula ingredients and concentration. Good products use PEA (polyether amine), while cheaper ones may use amine compounds that can damage the catalytic converter. I recommend that owners of older vehicles use it every 5,000 kilometers, preferably before highway driving, as the cleaning effect is better under high engine load. Avoid adding it when the tank is half full, as insufficient concentration means wasted money.