Are fuel additives a waste of money?

Technically, nothing. You likely bought an inexpensive fuel injector cleaner that contains minimal cleaning agents. If you continue to buy the additive and use it with every tank of fuel, maybe over time – could be weeks to months – you may experience a slight up-tick in power, fuel economy or drivability.

Do any fuel additives actually work?

None of the products actually delivered on those claims. It's important to note that fuel additives prevent gunk from building up in your gas tank, fuel line, and (most importantly) your fuel injectors. Your vehicle's fuel injectors may build up carbon deposits over time, which can block or clog the injectors.

Are fuel additives worth?

The additives often aren't expensive, costing less than a tenner in most cases, but there's no sense in wasting your money. However, if you do have an older car, these additives can occasionally solve minor problems for minimal cost.

Do fuel additives matter?

Yes, it does matter, because some brands contain more detergent additives that can prevent carbon deposits from forming inside your engine. These are the so-called Top Tier brands that use considerably more detergent and/or additives than is required by the EPA.

How often should you use fuel additives?

The majority of fuel injector cleaners recommend being used every 3,000 miles or at every oil change. If you have a newer car and use high-quality gas, you can actually go longer between fuel injector cleanings. Some brands even suggest annually or 10,000 miles.

People Say I'm Full of Crap About Fuel Additives, Well Watch This

Which fuel additive is best?

Are fuel system cleaners worth it?

A clean fuel system can improve the longevity of your vehicle, increase power and performance, improve fuel economy and drive ability. Many of us tend to neglect cleaning our vehicle's fuel system, not realizing that this is actually a vital component to prolong the life of your car.

Does premium gas clean your engine?

Nope. Regular, plus, and premium gas all come with detergents to mitigate against carbon deposits in your engine. Plus and premium don't come with special powers for cleaning out the engine. If you're interested in cleaning out your engine, you're better off taking it in for service.

Is Shell gas actually better?

Shell Gasoline is also certified TOP TIER™, a higher standard for engine cleanliness and performance set by auto manufacturers.

Does premium gas really make a difference?

So is Higher Octane Fuel More Efficient? In a word, no. On its own paying for premium gasoline does not make your car run better or get greater gas mileage. Giving your car the fuel it requires to run smoothly and efficiently, without damage to the engine, does make a difference in your fuel mileage.

Can fuel system cleaner cause problems?

If a fuel injector cleaner contains any additives that are not designed to be sensor-safe, it can lead to malfunctions or damage oxygen sensors. Oily substances like seafoam or MMO can increase the attraction of carbon and burnt fuel to a sensor, hampering its performance.

Is an oil additive worth it?

While some say that oil additives are not worth the hype, others swear by these products to improve the performance and lifespan of their engine. Those who use oil additives boast numerous benefits such as better fuel mileage, longer service intervals and reduced engine noise.

Is STP gas treatment good for your car?

STP Gas Treatment improves the quality of gas by adding powerful cleaning agents that help fight the accumulation of harmful carbon, gum and varnish deposits in the fuel system that can reduce performance. Also engineered to remove water, which can lead to fuel line freeze.

How long does it take for fuel additive to work?

Although fuel injector cleaner starts working as soon as you put it into your vehicle's tank, it takes time for the effects to become noticeable. You should begin seeing results within 100 - 300 miles after you use fuel injector cleaner.

How often should you use fuel injection cleaner?

Generally, any vehicle built-in 2004 or after should have a fuel injection cleaning every 45,000 miles or three years. Automobiles older than that might need the fuel injectors cleaned more often for optimal engine performance.

Which gasoline brand is best?

Is Mobil the best gas?

Mobil – Top Tier? Yes. Dating back to the mid-1980s, Mobil is one of the best-known names when it comes to quality gasoline.

Is higher grade gas worth it?

In a consumer notice, the Federal Trade Commission, notes: “In most cases, using a higher-octane gasoline than your owner's manual recommends offers absolutely no benefit. It won't make your car perform better, go faster, get better mileage or run cleaner.”

What happens if you put 93 instead of 87?

Most cars on the road recommend a standard grade 87 or 89. Premium gas 90-93 is completely okay to put in a standard vehicle. Car experts say there is no risk of damage to a standard car using premium fuel.

What happens if you mix 87 and 93 gas?

If you usually fill your tank up with 87-octane gasoline and you accidentally put in a higher octane blend (say, 91, 92, or 93), don't worry. You're actually filling your car or truck with a different blend of gas, which means it will burn differently in your engine.

Is it OK to mix premium and unleaded?

Can I mix premium and unleaded gas? Yes, drivers can mix the two types of fuel. The combined gas types will result in an octane level somewhere in the middle — something the vehicle “will survive,” according to The Drive.

Should I put fuel injector cleaner in my car?

Generally, you can use fuel injector cleaner every 1,500 to 3,000 miles. Many people like to use fuel injector cleaners whenever they get an oil change, as it's easy to remember. Another way to know when to clean your fuel injectors is to look out for signs of a clogged fuel injector.

Does fuel injector cleaner increase mileage?

By cleaning the build-up in your car's fuel system, a fuel injector flush provides many benefits to your vehicle, including: Improves your gas mileage, thus, saving you money. It helps to reduce emissions and reduces your carbon footprint. It can also increase the life of your vehicle.

Does sea foam clean fuel injectors?

In fact, the more Sea Foam you add to fuel, the better it cleans! Pour Sea Foam in your fuel tank to clean and lubricate your entire fuel system. It works through fuel injectors and carburetors to remove harmful residues and deposits from fuel passageways, intake valves, pistons, and chamber areas.