Fuel Additives: are they worth it?

[Christophe]

What are pros and cons of using fuel additives for modern pertrol injection commercial vehicles?

 

[evelrod]

Well Christophe---

Assuming you are not in an underdeveloped third world country---
Assuming that you have normal (read that average) fuel requirments---

The Pros---

The additive manufacturers profits increase as you spend money!!!

The Cons---

You spend your money as the additive manufacturers profits increase!!!


Humorous, but true---the additive package in most modern fuels is sufficient for all but the most severe or unusual applications.

Rod

 

[TheBlacksmith]

For routine maintenance, like the current commercial that states "Use it with every oil change", I agree with evelrod - the primary benefit of additives is to the additive manufacturer's profit margin. However, when there is a problem, like when the son-in-law bought cheap gas or the vehicle has sat idle for a long time and some deposits have formed, they are a cheap cure. I have used Chevron Techron on numerous occasions and the owner has seen an improvement in all but one case. I know that two foreign upscale car manufacturers don't even try to hide this or private label it, they just sell you Techron if you ask for fuel system cleaner. But again, use it as the first step to solve a problem, not as preventative maintenance, and if the first treatment doesn't work, break out the tools and find the mechanical problem, a second can won't work any better!

Blacksmith