Latest news with #enginecare
Motor 1
21-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
'Don't Waste Money:' Expert Shares Which Fuel Additive to Use Based on Your Car's Problem. Then He Shares How to Use It
Fuel additive fatigue is real. With dozens of brightly labeled bottles lining the aisles of AutoZone and Pep Boys stores everywhere—promising smoother rides, better mileage, or cleaner engines—picking the right one can feel like a guessing game. A viral TikTok video cuts through the noise, offering a symptom-based guide to choosing the right additive without the hype. Chris Stone (@chrisfrombeachside), vice president of Beachside Auto Parts in Daytona, Florida, says he recorded the video to help unfamiliar motorists make the best choice when selecting from the dizzying array of products promising to turn their vehicle into a fine-tuned machine. Stone's advice resonated with his audience. Hundreds shared their preferred additives, asked for additional information, and wrote comments thanking him. As of this writing, his post has been viewed 1.2 million times. How Do You Choose and Use the Right Additive? Between bold claims, cryptic acronyms, and engine diagrams that look like they belong in a textbook, it's easy to feel like you're flying blind. Instead of hype, Stone offers plain-language advice: Choose the product based on your symptoms, like hesitation, rough idle, ticking, or knocking, and you'll have a better shot at actually solving the issue. Trending Now 'I Bet You Didn't Know This:' Woman Discovers This Little-Known Perk to Driving A Subaru. Then Her Order Comes in the Mail Man Says He Bought a Nissan Frontier Because of These Standard Features. Should You Consider the Same? If your car is sluggish off the line, Stone advises trying AMSOIL P.I. Burning oil at startup? Marvel Mystery Oil still has a place in the modern garage, according to Stone. And for engines showing signs of knock or ping — especially in turbocharged vehicles — he recommends Royal Purple Max Clean to smooth out combustion. He doesn't stop at recommending products. Stone shares a useful technique for effectively using a fuel additive . He says that for most fuel system cleaners, you should wait until your tank is under a quarter full, pour the additive in, and then drive aggressively (within legal limits) to circulate the treatment effectively before refueling. This helps the cleaner come into more direct contact with injectors and combustion surfaces, increasing its effectiveness. Of course, fuel additives aren't a magic fix. If you've got a check engine light or ongoing performance issues, it's best to get a professional diagnostic. But for routine maintenance, especially with older or high-mileage vehicles, the right additive can play a useful role in keeping your engine running smoothly. When Should You Use an Additive? Most mechanics and product manufacturers recommend using a treatment every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. However, that interval can vary depending on fuel quality, engine design, and driving habits. High-mileage vehicles, cars frequently driven in stop-and-go traffic, or those using lower-quality fuel may benefit from more frequent use. Drivers who use high-grade gasoline may find they need additives less often. This doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't use a fuel additive if you always buy premium. While many premium fuels contain detergents to keep injectors clean, dedicated fuel system cleaners tend to offer higher concentrations of active ingredients like PEA (polyetheramine), which can clean deeper into the intake valves and combustion chamber. This can be especially helpful for older engines or cars with unknown maintenance histories, where carbon buildup may already affect performance. It's also important to note that compatibility matters. Not every fuel additive is designed for every engine type. Some are explicitly formulated for gasoline engines, while others are safe for diesels or compatible with ethanol-blended fuels. Hybrids and direct injection engines may also have different needs or tolerances. Always check the label for your engine type, and avoid assuming that any additive is one-size-fits-all. The wrong product can reduce effectiveness at best and cause damage at worst. Another point of confusion for many DIY car owners is whether it's okay to mix multiple additives in the same tank. The short answer is no, unless the manufacturer explicitly allows it. Most companies advise using just one additive per treatment cycle to avoid unintended chemical interactions or dilution of key ingredients. It's best to wait until your tank is nearly empty, add the recommended dose, and then refill, following label instructions closely to ensure safe and effective results. 'There's a lot of marketing out there, but nobody knows exactly what's good for what,' Stone told Motor1 over the phone. 'They all claim the same things, but they're all made differently and they have different values for different drivers.' More From Motor1 Here's Why Your Fuel Mixture Is Just as Important as Your Oil Mixture It's Incredible How Badly Low-Quality Fuel Can Damage Your Engine 'That's Obviously a Villain Car:' Man Spots Honda Fit in Parking Lot. Then He Notices the Back 'Making It Personal:' Man Buys 'Lemon' Ford F-150 From Used Car Dealership. Then He Decides to Get a Custom Wrap and Warn Buyers Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
ArabGT
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- ArabGT
Do You Really Need Fuel Detergent in Your Car?
In today's market, premium gasoline is marketed as the gold standard for engine care. Branded options like Shell V-Power, Chevron Techron, and Mobil Synergy tout built-in detergents that help clean your engine as you drive. But here's the inconvenient truth: even these top-tier fuels might not be enough to fully protect your engine from harmful carbon build-up. That's where dedicated fuel detergents come in—an inexpensive, often overlooked maintenance step that can pay dividends in performance, longevity, and efficiency. Top-tier gasoline brands do include detergents formulated to keep your fuel injectors and combustion chambers relatively clean. These additives are regulated and do a decent job of mitigating deposit formation. However, real-world driving conditions—like short trips, stop-and-go traffic, or high-load scenarios—can still lead to stubborn carbon build-up over time. Engines, particularly those with direct or port injection, are especially vulnerable, and even premium fuel won't always prevent long-term accumulation. What Makes Fuel Detergent Different? Unlike the general-purpose detergents found in branded fuel, dedicated fuel system cleaners are specifically designed to tackle heavy carbon deposits. These additives go deeper, dissolving gunk that regular fuel detergents might only touch superficially. When added to a full tank, they circulate through the fuel system, cleaning injectors, intake valves, and even the combustion chamber in some cases. For port-injected engines, they can clear intake runners and valves—components often neglected by standard fuel additives. The Carbon Problem You Can't See Carbon build-up isn't just a minor nuisance; it's a silent threat to your engine's performance. Deposits on injectors can alter spray patterns, leading to incomplete combustion and increased fuel consumption. In the intake system, carbon can restrict airflow, causing rough idling, poor throttle response, and reduced power. Over time, untreated build-up can even trigger check-engine lights or fail emissions tests. The good news? A bottle of high-quality fuel detergent costs around $13 and can treat an entire tank. Used every 3,000 miles—or roughly every oil change—it becomes a low-cost preventative measure that adds up to just four cents per mile. That's an incredibly modest investment when compared to the cost of injector servicing or engine decarbonization procedures down the road. How to Work It Into Your Routine Experts recommend pairing your fuel detergent use with regular maintenance intervals. Adding a bottle at every oil change makes it easy to remember and keeps your fuel system in top shape without any additional hassle. Just make sure you're also consistently using top-tier gasoline, as this dual approach maximizes cleaning power and minimizes risk. Relying solely on premium gasoline may offer a false sense of security. To truly preserve engine performance and efficiency, periodic use of a dedicated fuel detergent is a smart, cost-effective move. Think of it as a form of mechanical hygiene—simple, affordable, and essential for any car owner who wants to keep their vehicle running like new for years to come.
