Do you know that fuel additives can improve the performance of your gasoline and diesel vehicles? Even at the best of times, purchasing gasoline can be a hassle, let alone when you are trying to save every penny for a vacation or to buy little things to make your life easier.
Your vehicle’s engine requires a base for fuel, but the engine will not detect many of the additives in premium brands. Luckily, you can use a few products to increase your gasoline mileage and help you save on gas.
In contrast, these additives make your fuel more consistent, less gassy, and more efficient. So, which is the best additive for your car?
How to Choose A Fuel Additives
Fuel additives are a cost-effective and convenient way to maximize gas mileage in a gas-powered vehicle. Over time, fuel deposits can form and wear out your engines. Fuel additives can fix and prevent deposits from forming. They are even effective on diesel engines.
Fuel additives can also prevent stumbling, rough idle, sudden stalling, and weak acceleration, thus improving the engine’s performance and life. The market offers a variety of fuel additives that promise to improve fuel efficiency.
Which one should you choose? When making a decision, be sure to consider these factors:
- Cost-Effectiveness: In evaluating the options in the market, many people may agree that cost is a very important consideration. However, quality should not be overlooked. Also, it would be a good idea to examine how much fuel it will treat. You may need it multiple times.
- Efficient cleaning: Fuel additives are made according to specific specifications. Take into account your needs before deciding. So, pick one that can deliver what you are looking for, as well as be able to effectively clean your engine.
- Easy to Use: Generally, fuel additives will be used the same way across most brands. However, there are some key differences. There may be packaging that is easier to use, holds more fluid, or shows how much fluid remains. Pouring some requires a funnel, while others require fuel additives to be added.
- Reviews: If you are still unsure, check reviews online, you can find many reviews. By doing so, it will be easier to compare and weigh your options. Before purchasing, consider what others have to say about the product.
So whether you are searching for value, durability, reliability, or versatility, you will find the best fuel additive that is right for you among these best fuel additives.
Review 5 of the best fuel additives
1. Lucas Fuel Treatment
Fuel treatment from Lucas works on both diesel and gas engines and improves the octane rating of gasoline. The engine oil formulation offers the following:
- Fuel injector cleaners to remove sludge and sediments and that cause spark plug misfires.
- Fuel conditioners to combat low sulfur problems.
- Offers fuel treatment additives that clean, lubricate, and neutralize contaminated fuel.
- Free of alcohol and solvents.
- Contains heat-resistant oils, ensuring its effectiveness under extreme engine conditions.
Lucas is suitable for carburetor and fuel-injected engines and locomotives, ships, and domestic engines. It will keep your fuel system lubricated and clean, resulting in a more efficient engine, lower emissions, and longer engine life.
Pros
- As a replacement for leaded gasoline, it is suitable for vehicles using leaded fuel
- Prolong the life of pumps and injectors
- Boost performance by burning excess exhaust emissions
Cons
- Contains harmful chemicals
- Can irritate the skin on contact
- Accidental spills will stain the paint on your car
2. Redline Fuel Treatment
Motorcyclists typically use Redline Fuel Treatment but it is also common in many vehicles. Using Redline Treatment, fuel particles with a rougher surface flow better at higher speeds. Many riders claim Redline Fuel Treatment reduces their fuel consumption and allows their engines to work more efficiently.
With Redline, you do not have to buy high-octane fuel since the patented formula eliminates carbon deposits. Additionally, it is very effective at cleaning deposits from the below parts:
- Carburetors
- Valves
- Injectors
- Combustion chambers
This treatment also features detergents for both high and low temperatures so that it is stable and effective even in extreme engine conditions. Besides being an excellent cleaner, Red Line Treatment is comprised of a synthetic lubricant that helps to reduce friction.
Redline treatment does not contain harmful ingredients, so it is not toxic to you or the environment when used regularly. Besides being in a clear bottle, the treatment does not require a funnel, making it easy to use.
It is a downside of this treatment that the bottle is so small. Depending on the size of your fuel tank you may require multiple bottles to remove fuel deposits. Also, the product formulation may not be compatible with all vehicles and heavy equipment.
Pros
- Prevents carbon, gum, and varnish from building up in the fuel system
- Boost fuel stability and provide treatments for fuel injector systems
- Safe to use continuously
- Reduces the requirement for high octane fuel
Cons
- Small size may not be enough to treat large engines
- Not applicable for diesel fuel
3. StarTron Enzyme Fuel Treatment
One popular additive in new cars is StarTron Enzyme Fuel Additive. In addition to its multitude of uses, StarTron can be added to gas tanks to eliminate the harmful effects of ethanol and increase fuel efficiency.
StarTron Enzyme universal formulas are compatible with any gasoline or ethanol-based engine. It uses enzyme technology to increase fuel efficiency and improve fuel economy by cleaning the fuel delivery system.
The Star Tron Fuel Treatment stabilizes gasoline and ethanol blends for more or less two years. It contains antioxidants to minimize fuel separation. A unique enzyme blend boosts fuel combustibility, resulting in increased power and fuel efficiency even when the engine sits idle throughout the season.
The treatment also removes carbon, gum, and varnish from the injection and the tanks. A further step is the breakdown of sludge and water into smaller particles for burning. The result is an engine that starts easily and runs smoothly.
Unfortunately, the treatment can only be applied to gasoline engines. Since the container is not spill-proof, it is necessary to use a funnel to pour the contents out. Aside from that, it is somewhat pricey for a gallon of fuel additive.
Pros
- Prevents ethanol fuel problems and improves engine performance
- Keeps gasoline stable for a maximum of two years
- Non-toxic in case of excess use
Cons
- There is no spill-free pouring feature on the bottle
- Expensive
4. Royal Purple Max Clean Fuel Treatment
Royal Purple has been producing lubricants and synthetic oils for over 200 years. With this expertise, Royal Purple offers fuel additives that are suitable for a variety of applications and offer a multitude of advantages.
The company’s high-performance synthetic products outperform mineral-based oils, petroleum by-products, and other synthetic products.
One of their flag star products, Max Clean Fuel System cleaner, is powerful, efficient, and effective for the prevention of stalling and rough idle. Below are the reductions that environmentalists will appreciate:
- Nitrogen oxide
- Carbon monoxide
- Hydrocarbon emissions
This treatment will also make pinging and engine knocking due to deposits significantly less likely. Moreover, it is highly compatible, which is another reason why it is indeed a versatile option. Whatever engine or fuel type your car uses, you can rely on it to deliver the same high-quality performance.
Tests have been conducted on this treatment multiple times to show its effectiveness as a fuel additive. Test results showed that fuel efficiency improved by up to 3.2 percent, and horsepower increased by 2.6 percent.
Pros
- Applications that are versatile
- Protects against oxidation and corrosion
- Meets EPA/CARB requirements
Cons
- Well-maintained cars may not experience an increase in performance
5. Chevron Techron Concentrate Fuel Treatment
Chevron is a trusted global brand. The company produces lubricants and fuels that offer improved performance through additives. Their products are suitable for a variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, ships, and industrial equipment.
One of Chevron’s best fuel additives is the Techron Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner. The treatments can purge your entire vehicle’s fuel system, helping to restore the performance lost to deposits. Not only does it clean, but it also protects and restores.
The method by which Techron Concentrate works is impressive. It eliminates deposits on fuel injectors, valves, carburetors, combustion chambers, and ports. One 20-ounce bottle lasts for 3,000 miles. In addition, it is recommended that you refill a nearly empty fuel tank with 20 gallons of gasoline.
By using this additive, you will reduce emissions, increase the performance and fuel efficiency of your vehicle. Techron Concentrate is also sold in 12-ounce and 32-ounce bottles and in value packs of six of each size.
Finally, the manufacturer claims that it is excellent for both older and newer engines. In the long run, if this fuel additive is used as directed by the manufacturer, you may notice fewer problems with your engine and save fuel. Regardless of the type of car you drive, you may enjoy better fuel economy, enhanced power, and reduced emissions. You may avoid engine deposits that may harm your system.
The disadvantage of Chevron Techron Concentrate Cleaner is that it is not recommended for all vehicles. You can find out if this product is compatible with your vehicle by checking the owner’s manual or by contacting the manufacturer.
Pros
- Effective and lab-tested
- Made by a trusted brand
- Powerful
Cons
- Instructions are quite tricky
- Not recommended for vehicles
Do fuel additives really work?
The history of fuel additives is one reason that some drivers are skeptical of them. Early on, some individuals and companies offering fuel additives were little more than snake oil. Nowadays, fuel additives are available from many reliable, trustworthy manufacturers.
So, do fuel additives really work? The answer is YES if you ask anyone who has successfully used it previously. This can be an effective way to improve your fuel economy and keep your engine running well.
With the advancement of technology, market research, and scientific research, manufacturers were able to produce high-quality fuel additives. The vast majority of critics believe that fuel additives should work immediately, providing engine benefits as soon as they are used. Such thinking ignores the fact that fuel additives need time to provide more noticeable benefits.
Do not expect to notice an immediate difference when you first add fuel additives to your vehicle. It usually takes multiple tanks of treated fuel before the additives begin to have a noticeable impact on performance. In the end, fuel additives do work, but patience is key.
As a general rule, you should remember that not all products are created equal. Do your research so you can find the best fuel additive for your car. While a new or well-maintained car may not need additives, others will certainly benefit from them.
What is the best petrol additive?
Many automakers encourage drivers to use gasoline additives to extend their fuel efficiency, but too often, they mistakenly use alcohol, which can corrode engine components and cause damage.
By far, the best additive is Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner, which not only contains minimal amounts of alcohol but is also free of silicone fluids. The application of this additive also cleans injectors (instead of just coating them) and creates a cleaner, more efficient burn in the engine.
Chevron Techron Concentrate System Cleaner can be purchased on Amazon or at any Chevron gas station. Use it today in your car or truck to decrease emissions and increase fuel economy!
Conclusion
Fuel additives come in a variety of types for purchase. Fuel additives can help you save money on gas every time you refuel. Depending on the type of vehicle you drive, using fuel additives can significantly increase your gas mileage. The effects of some additives are immediate, while others take several hours to take effect.
According to the EPA, fuel additives are one of the best ways to ensure your car is running efficiently and for maximizing gas mileage. When looking for the right fuel additive, consider reading the reviews posted online by other customers who have used them before.
Our goal with this article was to help educate you on fuel additives. More importantly, to help you make the right choice. We welcome your comments and questions.