Is it necessary to add fuel additive for a new car?
4 Answers
It is not necessary to add fuel additive for a new car, because the effect of fuel additive is relatively limited, and the fuel at domestic gas stations already contains fuel additive components. Additionally, since a new car's engine has a short service life and operates in good condition, it will not produce carbon deposits. Therefore, car owners do not need to add fuel additive to a new car. Fuel additive, also known as fuel system cleaner, is directly poured into the vehicle's fuel tank and mixed with gasoline when used. The main function of fuel additive is to clean carbon deposits, while also assisting in engine maintenance and cleaning the fuel system. Some special-purpose fuel additives can also improve the anti-knock performance of the fuel.
After years of driving, I don't think new cars need fuel additives. A new car's engine fuel system is clean as new with minimal carbon buildup, so there's no need for additional cleaning agents. Fuel additives are mainly designed to address carbon deposits in older vehicles. New engines are well-designed with basic cleaning components already present in gasoline, which is sufficient. Plus, a bottle costs dozens of yuan—better to save that money for high-quality engine oil or maintaining key components. Adding additives randomly during the warranty period might even affect the manufacturer's warranty policy, doing more harm than good. Consider using fuel additives only after driving 15,000 kilometers when you notice sluggish acceleration or unstable idling—it's more cost-effective then. For new cars, focus on regular oil changes and filter replacements for safety and peace of mind.
I really dislike the practice of adding fuel additives to brand-new cars. Not only is it a waste of money, but it can also cause trouble. The fuel system of a new car is already in good condition, and adding additives might clog the fuel injectors, leading to even more expensive repairs. A single bottle of additive costs dozens of yuan, and adding it several times a year can add up to hundreds of yuan—money that could be saved for a minor maintenance service. The manufacturer's manual clearly states that new cars don't need additional additives, as gasoline already contains cleaning agents. I suggest waiting until the car has run about 20,000 kilometers and only trying additives if you frequently drive short distances or encounter poor-quality fuel. When it comes to new cars, being frugal and following the manual's maintenance schedule is the most cost-effective and hassle-free approach. Don't be fooled by those maintenance products.
My opinion is that new cars don't need fuel additives. New vehicles are in excellent condition, and adding additives is completely unnecessary. Automakers have already built protection into the fuel system, and regular gasoline is sufficient to maintain cleanliness. While fuel additives claim to improve performance, the actual effects are minimal and just an extra expense. New cars should avoid additives during the first year or 10,000 kilometers to prevent potential impacts on emissions or warranty coverage. Simply using fuel from reputable gas stations and following regular maintenance is sufficient. It's more reasonable to consider using additives only when the vehicle ages or shows signs of carbon buildup.
