Should New Cars Use Fuel Additives?

[LaZachary]

New cars do not require fuel additives because their engines have short service lives and good working conditions, which basically prevent carbon buildup. Additionally, the fuel at domestic gas stations generally contains fuel additive components. Below are the functions and composition of fuel additives: Introduction to Fuel Additives: Fuel additives, also known as fuel system cleaners, primarily function to remove carbon deposits, which has always been their main selling point. They also help maintain the engine and fuel system. Some specialized fuel additives can even improve the fuel's anti-knock properties (octane rating). Composition of Fuel Additives: Fuel additives are mainly composed of more than ten ingredients, including nano-molecules, cleaning activators, antioxidants, anti-corrosion agents, and demulsifiers. They are specifically designed to target harmful components in fuel such as sulfur, gum substances, and engine carbon deposits, thereby enhancing power, promoting combustion, and providing anti-oxidation, anti-wear, cleaning, dispersion, demulsification, anti-corrosion, and lubrication effects.

[Zane]

As a long-term car user, I feel it's best not to casually add fuel additives to new cars. Since new car engines are optimally designed from the factory with clean fuel systems, adding these cleaners may disrupt the original balance and cause unnecessary expenses. I've driven several new cars before and tried adding fuel additives early on, but saw no change in performance or fuel efficiency—not only wasting money but also worrying about potential risks like inferior products damaging fuel injectors or catalytic converters. Most modern gasoline already contains detergents, and new cars hardly have carbon deposit issues within tens of thousands of kilometers. To save money and stay worry-free, I recommend regular maintenance, using high-quality fuel, and maintaining good driving habits as the most practical approach. Only after driving 20,000–30,000 kilometers, when slight carbon buildup appears, is it worth considering additives. This avoids waste and risks while ensuring longer vehicle lifespan.

[StVivian]

From a technological perspective, I've personally studied the ingredients and principles of fuel additives, which primarily contain detergents to dissolve deposits. However, for new cars, they're completely unnecessary: engine components are brand-new with no deposits, and adding them is not only wasteful but could also be counterproductive—such as potentially damaging sensors prematurely or causing abnormal emissions. Manufacturers' maintenance guidelines typically emphasize avoiding additional additives. I believe high-octane fuel and sensible driving are more effective; new cars can safely skip this step for several years, saving both hassle and money while ensuring safety. If you must try them, choose reputable brands but don't expect miracles. Consistently monitoring your vehicle's condition is far wiser than blindly adding additives, as this helps extend engine life and reduce maintenance costs.

[GabrielleRose]

After driving my new car for a few months, I curiously bought a bottle of fuel additive to try, thinking it would boost performance, but found no difference: the engine ran just as smoothly and fuel consumption remained unchanged. Research revealed that new car systems come clean from the factory, making additives purely a waste of money. Now I think it's better to wait until the car gets older and has carbon buildup before considering it, and just maintain it well in the meantime. Young car owners shouldn't follow my trend-chasing example—it's really unnecessary to fuss. Just enjoy the original charm of driving a new car.

[VonChase]

As an environmentally conscious person, I believe that adding fuel additives to new cars is neither necessary nor eco-friendly: these chemical agents increase pollution risks and may waste resources. New cars are already highly efficient with low emissions, making additives redundant. From a sustainability perspective, I advocate cultivating good driving habits like gentle acceleration and reducing idling, which protects the environment, saves fuel, and ensures long-term vehicle safety. Investing the money saved from additives into green maintenance is far more worthwhile.