What are the side effects of adding fuel additives to old cars?
3 Answers
If used excessively, it can increase carbon deposits in the combustion chamber. If excessive addition continues over a long period, it may even cause engine knocking, detonation, and worsen vehicle exhaust emissions. The following is a related introduction: Fuel additive: Fuel additive is a common name for the third generation of gasoline detergent (also known as gasoline detergent or fuel additive). Its purpose is to solve the carbon deposit problem in the fuel system of fuel injection vehicles, quickly restore the engine to optimal working condition, and compensate for certain deficiencies in gasoline properties while imparting new beneficial characteristics (improving atomization, reducing wear, protecting the engine, lowering emissions, etc.). Functions: Removing carbon deposits, improving atomization, protecting the engine, lowering emissions, and reducing wear.
As someone who frequently tinkers with engines, I've observed that adding fuel additives to older cars can lead to several side effects. The most common issue is that while the additives clean carbon deposits, if an old engine has heavy deposits, the dislodged debris can clog fuel injectors or filters, actually reducing the car's performance. Additionally, some fuel additives contain corrosive components. Given that rubber gaskets and seals in older engines are already aged, using these additives can accelerate wear, worsening oil or fluid leaks. Older cars often have unstable voltage, and excessive additives can cause sensors like oxygen sensors to give incorrect readings, triggering warning lights or even damaging small components. Worse yet, if cheap additives were previously used and left residues in the fuel tank, adding new fuel additives might trigger chemical reactions, leading to poor combustion efficiency and black smoke from the exhaust. Therefore, it's best to inspect the fuel tank's cleanliness before adding anything—don't invite trouble just to save effort.
After driving an old car for over 20 years, I've found that fuel additives aren't a cure-all and can actually pose risks. For instance, my friend once casually added a bottle of carbon-cleaning fuel additive to his vintage car while refueling, only to have the engine start shaking violently. The mechanic explained that while the additive removed years of built-up grime, the dislodged debris didn't fully clear out and ended up clogging the fuel lines, causing uneven fuel delivery. Older cars are inherently fragile - excessive use of fuel additives can raise combustion temperatures too high, leading to premature spark plug failure or catalytic converter poisoning, worsening exhaust emissions. Sometimes it can cause sudden increases in fuel consumption or power loss, especially if the vehicle has never used such products before - the reaction can be as uncomfortable as a person taking the wrong medication. Regular maintenance checks are far more reliable than randomly dumping in fuel additives.
