When is the Right Time to Add Fuel Additives?
3 Answers
Fuel additives are maintenance products for engines, and there is no strict mileage requirement for their use. It is recommended to start using fuel additives after the first maintenance of a new car, as carbon deposits and gum formation begin as soon as the engine starts working. The earlier they are used, the better the protective effect on the engine. Relevant information about fuel additives is as follows: 1. Classification: Fuel additives are divided into gasoline additives and diesel additives based on their usage targets. Functionally, they are generally categorized into three types: cleaning, maintenance, and performance-enhancing. 2. Function: Due to poor atomization and incomplete combustion, a large amount of black smoke is produced. Fuel additives can effectively reduce the activation energy of combustion, improve atomization efficiency, and ensure that non-combustible gum in the fuel is fully burned, thereby eliminating black smoke and reducing emissions.
I often use fuel additives when driving, mainly to clean the engine and improve fuel efficiency. It's usually better to add them before refueling because pouring them into the tank and immediately filling up with gas allows the additive to mix better and maximize its effectiveness. For my old car, I add a cleaning-type additive, like those for carbon removal, every 5,000 kilometers or so to prevent carbon buildup that could cause engine shaking or loss of power. Before long trips or highway driving, I also add a performance-enhancing additive—though the effect might not be super noticeable, at least the car feels smoother. When refueling, always check the instructions on the additive bottle; some require specific ratios, and overuse could clog the fuel system. Overall, the right timing is regular maintenance—don’t wait until problems get serious. By the way, using antifreeze-type additives in cold weather is also a good idea to protect the fuel pump. Once you develop these simple habits, car maintenance becomes much easier.
As a veteran driver with decades of experience, I believe the best time to add fuel additives depends on the vehicle's condition and needs. Generally, don't add them casually when the car is new. But after driving tens of thousands of kilometers, if you notice sluggish acceleration or black smoke from the exhaust, it indicates severe carbon buildup, making it suitable to add a cleaner before refueling. I usually add it during every oil change, roughly every three months or every 8,000 kilometers, to synchronize maintenance. Before driving on mountain roads or under high-load conditions, I add performance-enhancing products to improve combustion efficiency and avoid breakdowns mid-journey. The process is simple: pour the additive into the fuel tank before refueling, then fill up as usual. Remember, different additives serve different purposes—cleaners are good for prevention, while performance boosters are for special occasions. If the engine is noisy or making unusual sounds, additives can help alleviate symptoms. In short, don't overuse them but don't neglect them either—the right timing aligns with your vehicle's maintenance cycle.
