Is Fuel Additive Really Effective? How to Use It?
4 Answers
The effectiveness of fuel additive becomes more noticeable as the vehicle ages: 1. For new cars: It is unnecessary to add fuel additive. Since new cars have minimal carbon deposits and very little engine wear, which is almost negligible, adding fuel additive at this stage would be ineffective and only increase the cost of vehicle maintenance. 2. For older cars: When there is a significant amount of carbon deposits, fuel additive is needed to clean them. Generally, fuel additive should be used for vehicles with a mileage of over 50,000 kilometers, and it should be added every six months or every 5,000 km.
I've personally tested fuel system cleaners several times. As a veteran commuter driver, I find them somewhat effective but not miraculous. After driving in congested urban areas, my car feels less shaky with slightly improved throttle response, and fuel consumption drops by about 5% - though results vary. My Honda showed noticeable improvement while my friend's new car saw no change at all. Usage is simple: choose a reputable brand, pour a bottle into a half-empty tank during refueling, then fill up and drive to let it mix and clean carbon deposits. Avoid overuse - once every 5,000 km is sufficient; excessive use wastes money and may leave residues. The benefits come from cleaning injector nozzles and intake carbon deposits to restore combustion efficiency, but don't expect major fixes. The key is combining it with regular maintenance like air filter changes. Consistent long-term use yields the best results.
As a car maintenance enthusiast, I've experimented with various additives. Fuel system cleaners do effectively reduce engine carbon deposits, especially for vehicles frequently driven at low speeds, improving ignition stability and fuel efficiency. The effects are supported by experiments – after dissolving deposits, acceleration becomes smoother with a slight 1-3% reduction in fuel consumption. Follow instructions strictly when using: typically mix one bottle with 50 liters of gasoline, pour into the tank before refueling, fill up and shake to mix, avoid stomping the throttle during cold starts, and effects become noticeable after normally driving through one or two full tanks. Don't randomly choose brands – inferior products containing impurities may damage the engine. Best used in combination with vehicle condition – such as when experiencing sluggish acceleration.
From an economic perspective, fuel additives may not be cost-effective. After using them for several years, I found the effects to be minimal—the savings on fuel often don't cover the cost of the additives, especially when gas prices are low. It's better to spend that money on proper maintenance, such as replacing spark plugs or cleaning the fuel system. The usage is simple: pour a bottle into the fuel tank when refueling and drive normally until the tank is empty. While the effects are real, they're minor, possibly reducing some carbon buildup. If your car shows no issues, you can skip them altogether. Don't follow trends by buying in bulk; if you try them and see no benefit, stop using them to save both hassle and money.
