Do You Need to Use Fuel Additives?

The question of whether to use fuel additives has been a frequent topic of discussion among car owners. It's not hard to find a variety of additives on the shelves of large auto parts stores like O'Reilly, AutoZone, and Pep Boys. Some websites even consult experts about the reasons for using additives and their effectiveness. Here are responses from 3M and Royal Purple that might provide some insights:

"That’s a question that I get asked quite frequently. You’re going to notice some difference, I can almost guarantee it," said Duane C. Richardson, a technical service engineer at 3M’s automotive aftermarket division.

"Fuel is chemically less stable than ever before. This is due, in large part, to the use of ethanol as an octane-boosting ingredient. Alcohol oxidizes and emulsifies to form non-combustible byproducts," said Chris Barker, technical service manager at Royal Purple.

Over time, engines can suffer from performance degradation and fuel efficiency due to byproducts produced during gasoline combustion. This indicates that there is a certain level of demand for additives. Additionally, it’s noted that due to the byproducts formed during fuel combustion, engines inevitably accumulate carbon deposits, regardless of driving habits. However, frequent short trips in cold temperatures can exacerbate the formation and accumulation of carbon deposits within the engine. Over time, these deposits can accumulate in fuel injectors, behind intake valves, and throughout the combustion chamber.

Some notable brands of additives include Audi, VW, BMW, LIQUI MOLY, and RAVENOL.

The purpose of fuel additives is similar to that of oven cleaners or laundry detergents. Additives containing Polyetheramine (PEA) can penetrate deposits, breaking them down into very fine particles that can either pass through the engine's exhaust system or be burned off during normal combustion. In addition to cleaning, formulations with PEA additives are also more effective at preventing the formation of deposits compared to other types of additives.

Finally, according to 3M's data, the average usage cycle for fuel additives is about once a year for a typical driver, who drives approximately 12,000 to 13,000 miles annually under various conditions (based on driving habits in the U.S.).

For drivers who frequently take short trips, especially in cold weather or engage in a lot of stop-and-go driving (like traffic jams or at traffic lights), it is recommended to use the additive every 3,000 miles.

(Note: To convert miles to kilometers, multiply by 1.61)

• 12,000 miles x 1.61 = 19,320 km.