Fuel Additives: Are They Worth It?
As you might already know, all types of fuel you can find at the gas station contain additives designed to keep the engine clean. And the higher the octane rating is, the more the fuel has additives in it.
To maximise the health and efficiency of their engine and to avoid problems like rough idling, power losses, lagging, etc., some still choose to buy fuel additives. But just how useful are they?
Ask different people and you’ll get different answers. It all depends on your maintenance habits.
As a matter of fact, if you always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, if you buy quality products (engine oil for example), and if your vehicle doesn’t show any symptoms, you don’t have to use additives. However, in some cases, they can help promote good engine operation.
To find out if you need them or not, consult the vehicle’s owner manual and ask the question to a car mechanics expert. His or her recommendation should be what guides you in your decision to use an additive.
If you fill up with regular fuel and often drive short distances in dense traffic, for example, adding a fuel supply system cleaning additive in your gas tank can lower your consumption and improve your engine’s performance.
And of course, the amount and frequency of additive use are very important. Read the instructions on the bottle to know the right dose (some products are much more concentrated than others!) and put it directly in the gas tank.
By the way, it’s recommended to do it when the tank is almost empty, and then fill up. This maximises the mixing of the fuel and product and allows for better, quicker results. An oil change shortly after this type of treatment is generally recommended.
