Is Fuel Additive Harmful to New Cars?

[StAaron]

For new cars with less than 20,000 kilometers on the odometer, it is unnecessary to add fuel additive. For vehicles exceeding 20,000 kilometers, it should be added as needed, generally one small bottle per tank of fuel. Long-term use of fuel additives can be harmful to the engine. Excessive use can increase carbon deposits in the combustion chamber, and if excessively added over a long period, it may even cause engine knocking, detonation, and worsen vehicle exhaust emissions. Below is additional information: 1. Driving Habits: The driver's habits have a greater impact on the car than the use of fuel additives. For example, frequent slow driving in urban areas with stop-and-go traffic can easily lead to engine carbon deposits. 2. Function of Fuel Additives: The main function of fuel additives is to increase the octane value of gasoline, making it burn more completely and reducing the formation of carbon deposits. This helps maintain engine power and fuel consumption, preventing decreased engine power and increased fuel consumption due to excessive carbon deposits.

[DelRachel]

As a veteran car owner with decades of driving experience, I can tell you that fuel additives are completely unnecessary for new cars. Modern engines come perfectly tuned from the factory, and today's high-quality fuels already contain cleaning agents. Adding extra fuel additives is just redundant. I remember trying it once with my first new car - ended up with clogged injectors and a repair bill over a thousand yuan. During the break-in period, a new car's fuel system is fresh, and additives can actually accelerate deposits or corrode components - more harm than good. My advice? Don't add anything until you've driven over 100,000 km, then maybe consider a quality cleaner. You're better off spending that money on premium fuel. Don't fall for marketing hype - just follow the maintenance manual for new cars.

[ThomasRose]

From a chemical perspective, I don't think fuel additives are very friendly to new cars. They contain some strong detergent components, but new car engines have high precision and sensitive sensors/control units. Using them may cause chemical residues or data fluctuations. It's like forcibly installing unnecessary apps on a new smartphone - the system might slow down. Moreover, new car fuel already contains additives, and adding extra products may exceed standards and disrupt the balance. It's better to try them when the car gets older and has more carbon buildup, otherwise you might end up spending big money on repairs if warning lights come on. Simply put, let the new system run by itself without interference.

[KadenDella]

As a mom driving with kids, safety and stability are always my top priorities. After buying a new car, the 4S dealership advised against using fuel additives, warning they could harm the new engine and affect driving performance. So I’ve never used them—saving both hassle and money—and after three years, everything runs perfectly. New cars perform well as-is; adding fuel additives might clog injectors or damage components, and dealing with breakdowns on the road would be a nightmare. Protecting my family comes first, so sticking to factory maintenance during the new-car phase is key. Later, occasional carbon cleaning for an older car suffices. Remembering this principle helps avoid unnecessary trouble and expenses.

[VonRemington]

I'm a money-saving expert, and I think adding fuel additives to a brand-new car is just wasteful. A new engine is fresh and highly efficient – adding those products may actually increase deposit risks and waste money. I've seen a neighbor ruin their new car by randomly using additives, ending up with clogged injectors. The repair costs far exceeded any fuel savings. For the first few years, there's really no need to fuss with additives. Consider using quality carbon-cleaning products only after tens of thousands of kilometers. Low-quality additives are even worse – they can damage components. Using premium gasoline for regular maintenance is sufficient. Don't waste money and create new problems. Smart budgeting starts with a new car.