A Guide to Buying Fuel Treatments
A fuel additive or treatment is added on the gas tank to clean vital components of the engine of any deposits or grime. It helps boost the fuel performance of your vehicle to increase mileage and reduce harmful emissions. The question is this, though: how should you choose the right fuel additive? In this post, we discussed a short guide to help you pick one that suits your car.
Consider the fuel additive strength
Fuel treatments come in either low or high concentrations. Both have a specific use and should be administered in different situations. Here’s a quick look:
Low concentration – This is made for use after every fill-up to maintain an already clean system. Also, it should be used after an oil change or once the fuel system has been professionally cleaned.
High concentration – This is best for fuel systems with deposits and has been through a certain amount of mileage. It’s used on engines that have stubborn deposits that need to be cleaned up.
Cleaning type/method
There are three major fuel treatment cleaning types. It’s a crucial consideration when purchasing a fuel additive to ensure that the chemical will work its purpose:
*Octane booster – It’s used to boost the octane of your fuel as well as to give you a smoother ride. Octane boosters also prevent engine knock off.
*Complete system cleaners – This cleans up all the gunk, varnish, and deposits on your fuel system including the pumps, lines, and injectors. For the best results, it’s paired with PEA (polyetheramine).
*Fuel injector cleaners – This is specifically used for cleaning the injector nozzles of your fuel system.
These fuel additive types aren’t interchangeable. As you see, there’s a specific type for each purpose.
Other considerations
Once you’ve decided about the type and concentration of the fuel additive, make sure that you also consider the following points:
*Cost-efficiency – Consider if the fuel additive will last longer than other options. However, it doesn’t mean that you’re going to pick the cheapest additive. It’s a matter of calculating if the upfront cost is worth the shot.
*Suitability – Sometimes a specific type of fuel additive isn’t suitable for a vehicle that’s been stored for a while. In this case, it’s best to ask the advice of a mechanic to make sure that you’re not going to ruin the fuel system.
*Ease of use – Most fuel additives can be applied by the car owner with no help from professional mechanics. Still, the additive should have complete application instructions on the label for DIY use.
Is a fuel additive necessary?
This product is crucial to make sure that your vehicle will run smoothly, much so after a certain mileage. For example, the octane booster will prevent damages on the cast-iron valve seats. Also, if you’re planning to stock your car in the garage for months, a fuel stabilizer will help keep the engine in good shape.
In the end, fuel additives aren’t just hype. It has a specific function that will keep you away from repeated mechanic visits.