Do Fuel Additives Work and Are They Really Worth It?

July 29, 2022

Are you worried about fuel economy and looking to save money? Then you may have come across fuel additives as a proposed solution. They claim to solve all sorts of problems, from reducing emissions to making engine operation smoother. But do fuel additives work? The answer is complicated.

What Are Fuel Additives?

Fuel additives are a mixture of chemicals designed to increase the quality and efficiency of fuel in a motor vehicle. There are two types of fuel additives: fuel performance enhancers and fuel stabilizers. 

Fuel performance enhancers, which is what most people refer to when discussing additives, are supposed to improve your engine’s efficiency while it is running. Fuel stabilizers, on the other hand, are added to gasoline before it is stored for a long period of time to keep it in functional condition for future use.

How Do Fuel Additives Work?

Carbon deposits accumulate on the engine’s fuel injectors and intake valves, among other vital components, over time. These clogs can restrict gasoline from entering the combustion chamber, which will lower the fuel efficiency of the vehicle and cause other problems. Even a small amount of deposits can impair the performance of an engine.

Fuel additives use chemicals to prevent gunk from building up in the gas tank, fuel line, and fuel injectors. As you browse the shelves of your local gas station or auto store, you’ll likely notice an overwhelming amount of gas additives with different labels. 

Fuel injector cleaner. Fuel stabilizer. Octane booster. Carburetor cleaner. Gas treatment. 

Before you reach for a product, let’s see if fuel additives actually work — or if they’re just a waste of money. 

Are Fuel Additives Worth It?

Fuel additives aren’t all bad, but they can’t magically improve your gas mileage or solve your automobile problems after a single use like most brands claim. 

In 2011, a comprehensive study conducted by the EPA tested over 100 products that advertised improved fuel efficiency. Unsurprisingly, none of them worked. 

The more an additive claims to do, the less likely it is to deliver the promised results. In many cases, additives contain a large number of ingredients that can harm a vehicle’s engine if not used correctly. 

While they are not a miracle cure, products specifically designed to clean the fuel system may be beneficial in certain cases. For example, older cars tend to have more gunk buildup in the fuel injectors. Using an additive regularly can help keep the injectors clean. The average driver, however, does not have to worry about this problem if they keep up with their car’s maintenance needs.

Turn to Rob’s Automotive for Superior Car Maintenance

Fuel additives are not a replacement for professional fuel treatments and maintenance checkups. Instead, you should take your automobile to an expert. Rob’s Automotive is certified by over 24 major manufacturers and is your go-to truck repair facility. Call us whenever you need professional automotive services or roadside assistance.