Is it necessary to add fuel additive?

[StZachary]

It is necessary to add fuel additive to your car. Fuel additive can effectively eliminate carbon deposits and other issues. However, excessive use or inferior products can cause fatal damage to the engine, such as engine knocking or detonation. The functions of fuel additive: The role of fuel additive is to solve the carbon deposit problem in the fuel system of electronically injected vehicles, quickly restore the engine's optimal working condition, and compensate for certain deficiencies in gasoline properties. It also imparts new beneficial characteristics to gasoline, such as improving atomization, reducing wear, protecting the engine, and lowering emissions. Precautions when adding fuel additive: Currently, the common fuel tank capacity for small family cars on the market is 35-45L, mid-size cars around 55-75L, and large or luxury cars around 75-100L. The standard specification for fuel additive is usually 60ML, which can be mixed with 30-60L of gasoline. Therefore, a typical family car's full tank of fuel requires 1-2 bottles of fuel additive. The exact amount to be added should be determined based on the specific condition of the car.

[DiDerek]

I think the issue of adding fuel additives is quite interesting, especially if you drive an older car with some mileage or frequently drive at low speeds in the city. The engine is prone to carbon buildup, and fuel additives, as cleaning agents, can help break down some of that carbon, making combustion more efficient. Essentially, fuel additives work by using certain chemical agents to penetrate the fuel system and clean deposits in the injectors and combustion chambers. This not only improves acceleration response but can also slightly improve fuel efficiency—roughly allowing you to drive an extra few dozen kilometers per tank. However, for new cars, there's no need to fuss over it. The manufacturer's design is already optimized, and randomly adding additives might conflict with the original fuel system, causing adverse effects. In short, it depends on the car's condition. I generally recommend adding one bottle per maintenance interval or between fuel refills—not too frequently—to save money and protect the car.

[KinsleyAnn]

In my opinion, using fuel additives is more about calculating the economic benefits. First, a bottle of fuel additive costs only 20-30 yuan, which isn't expensive. For older cars with severe carbon buildup, cleaning it out can restore some fuel efficiency, potentially saving about a dozen yuan per tank. Over the long term, it might be cost-effective. However, new cars definitely don't need it—manufacturers have already optimized them, so spending money on additives is just throwing it away. For young people who occasionally drive on highways and maintain their vehicles well, the effect of fuel additives is negligible. I've experienced it myself—my old SUV showed a slight increase in mileage after adding it, but regular maintenance costs more. It's better to save the money for professional servicing. The key is driving habits: cars that often idle in traffic and have significant carbon buildup can use it occasionally, otherwise, it's just a waste of money.

[ElainaDella]

Personally, I think adding fuel system cleaner is more like a daily preventive measure, similar to brushing teeth for dental care. Engine carbon deposits over time can lead to unstable idling and increased fuel consumption. Fuel system cleaners can provide simple cleaning to avoid major overhauls. For example, for older car models or in northern regions with frequent cold starts during winter, adding a bottle when refueling is very convenient. Its main function is to dissolve carbon deposits through chemical reactions, keeping the fuel system unobstructed. However, don't rely on it too much. New cars or well-maintained vehicles don't need it, to avoid wasting money. My experience is to combine it with the manufacturer's maintenance plan, adding it every few thousand kilometers as a preventive measure, which saves both trouble and effort.