What is Gasoline Additive?
3 Answers
Gasoline additive is an abbreviation for fuel additive, which generally also includes diesel additives. It is designed to compensate for the inherent quality issues of fuel and the limitations in automotive mechanical manufacturing, thereby enabling gasoline engines to overcome cold shock effects and crevice effects, as well as to remove carbon deposits on intake valves and fuel injectors. As a vehicle continues to operate, substances such as sludge and carbon deposits can form in the throttle body, fuel injectors, cylinders, and other parts of the engine, which can affect the normal operation of the vehicle. If the presence of sludge and carbon deposits is ignored, they can gradually erode engine power, reduce fuel economy, increase emissions of environmentally harmful substances, and lead to a series of engine malfunctions.
I've been driving for over a decade, and fuel additives are essentially little helpers you pour into the tank before refueling. They mainly clean carbon deposits in the engine—those black residues that clog fuel injectors, making the car sluggish and fuel-thirsty. Especially for older cars, I add a bottle every 5,000 kilometers, just picking common brands from the supermarket. After pouring it in, a highway run works best; revving the engine higher helps the additive thoroughly flush the fuel system. Don't expect miracles like the ads claim, but regular use does make the throttle more responsive and the engine sound smoother. However, new cars don't really need it for the first couple of years—starting maintenance after 40,000 to 50,000 kilometers is perfectly fine.
In the vehicles we encounter, carbon deposit issues can be alleviated in over 80% of cases using fuel additives. These additives primarily work by dissolving gum deposits in the fuel system with active agents, essentially performing a deep clean for the engine. The market offers two types: cleaning and maintenance formulas. For older vehicles, cleaning-type additives containing polyetheramine (PEA) show better results. When using them, be cautious not to mix with low-quality products as they may corrode fuel pump seals. Add one bottle when the fuel tank is one-quarter full, then drive normally. Winter use can also prevent fuel freezing, making it particularly suitable for northern car owners. Of course, severe carbon buildup still requires mechanical cleaning - additives are more for routine maintenance.
