Is it necessary to add fuel additive to cars?
3 Answers
It is not mandatory to add fuel additive to cars. The purpose of fuel additive is to solve the carbon deposit problem in the fuel system of electronically injected models, quickly restore the engine's optimal working condition, and compensate for some deficiencies in gasoline properties while endowing gasoline with new excellent characteristics, such as improving atomization, reducing wear, protecting the engine, and lowering emissions. The functions of fuel additive include: 1. Removing carbon deposits from the car; 2. Reducing abnormal wear of the engine; 3. Improving atomization efficiency; 4. Lowering car emissions; 5. Extending the service life of the car engine. The correct way to use fuel additive is: add the fuel additive before refueling, then add gasoline, allowing the previously added fuel additive to mix fully and evenly under the impact of gasoline filling, thereby achieving the desired usage effect.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience who often performs maintenance in the car, fuel additives are really not a must. From my experience, new cars basically don't need them, while cars that have been driven for a few years can occasionally use some. Fuel additives mainly clean the fuel injectors and remove carbon deposits. For example, my old Toyota felt a bit more responsive on the throttle and saw a slight drop in fuel consumption after adding it. But don't expect miracles—it's just an auxiliary tool. The key is to consider your car's condition: if you often drive in the city with stop-and-go traffic that easily causes carbon buildup, or if the gasoline quality is poor, using some fuel additive can help prevent issues. I don't recommend adding it daily; generally, one bottle every 10,000 kilometers is enough. Choose reputable brands and avoid cheap, off-brand products to prevent damaging your car. Overall, it's not a necessity—your car can run fine without it—but using it might extend the engine's lifespan a bit and save some small costs. Remember, daily driving habits like timely maintenance and using higher-quality fuel matter more.
As a frequent car user, my attitude towards fuel additives is: they're not a must, but they're beneficial when used appropriately. They help remove carbon deposits in the engine and improve combustion efficiency, making the car run smoother. I've seen many friends with older cars experiencing unstable idling or increased fuel consumption, and their conditions improved after adding some fuel additives. The key is not to overuse them. New cars don't need them; only cars that are five or six years old or older are worth trying. Adding a bottle every week or with every refuel is wasteful; once a month is sufficient. Also, pay attention to product quality—choose reputable brands, as poor-quality additives can damage the fuel injection system. I decide whether to use them based on regular car inspections. If the engine runs normally, I don't bother with them. Fuel additives aren't magic; they can't fix major issues but can serve as minor maintenance. Combined with regular oil changes and spark plug checks, they help keep the car healthier, which is more reliable than relying solely on additives. Simply put, using them reasonably is beneficial and harmless.
