Is it necessary to add fuel additive when refueling a new car?
3 Answers
It is not necessary to use fuel additive when refueling a new car. Here is some relevant information about fuel additives: 1. Effects of fuel additives: Fuel additive is a common name for fuel system cleaners. To some extent, it can clean the fuel injectors and fuel system, improve the atomization effect of the fuel injectors, promote better mixing and combustion of air and gasoline, and use antioxidant detergents to remove gum and moisture from the fuel system, thereby achieving the effect of cleaning carbon deposits. 2. Testing of fuel additives: After adding fuel additive to vehicles, the tested vehicles showed no significant changes in power, and the same was true for instantaneous fuel consumption. The cleaning effect was also minimal. If you expect fuel additives to improve engine power or directly reduce fuel consumption, you may be disappointed.
I remember when I bought my new car, the salesperson always recommended adding fuel additives during refueling, claiming it could improve performance and prevent carbon buildup. But when I carefully read the manual, the manufacturer clearly stated that a new engine just after break-in has clean fuel systems and doesn't need unnecessary additives. I tried it once or twice myself—saw no improvement in fuel economy or power, just wasted dozens of yuan per bottle. Now, after two years of driving, maintaining regular 5,000-km oil changes with quality oil, the engine runs as smoothly as when new. Rather than spending on those bottled solutions, better habits are: choose premium fuel brands, avoid substandard gas from small stations; regularly maintain and inspect air filters and fuel systems. This approach saves money and ensures long-term reliability—definitely makes additives unnecessary during the new car phase.
From a technical perspective, I'm the type who deals with cars. New car engines are optimized for fuel injection and control systems right out of the factory, ensuring efficient combustion and preventing impurities. Fuel additives claim to clean the fuel system, but new cars basically have zero carbon buildup. Using them might interfere with sensors or dilute oil concentration instead. My research shows most experts recommend avoiding additives for the first 20,000 kilometers in a new car. If you really want to use them, wait until higher mileage or if you frequently drive in dusty areas. Normally, I focus more on fuel quality—using 95 octane or higher gasoline is much more reliable than depending on additives. Additionally, during maintenance, technicians will assess whether professional cleaning services are needed, which is more dependable than self-administered additives. The core of early-stage maintenance for a new car is sticking to factory settings—don’t waste money disrupting the balance.
