Your Guide to Fuel Additives
Realise your vehicle’s potential with fuel additives. From cleaning the engine and stabilising fuel to boosting overall vehicle performance for a better driving experience, it’s easy to see why additives have become popular in recent years.
In this article, we’ll explore what fuel additives are, how they are incorporated into fuel, and their pros and cons. Let’s take a closer look.
What are fuel additives?
Fuel additives are bottled chemicals that can be added to the fuel tank by a consumer. Their aim is to improve a certain quality or provide a resolution to a particular issue. Some have the capacity to enhance or stabilise the fuel itself while others will clean the engine and remove impurities. A few are designed to raise the octane or cetane in fuel. It entirely depends on the product you choose.
What are the main fuel additives?
The main types of fuel additives are:
- Fuel system cleaners: A chemical designed to remove engine residue and deposits for a cleaner engine and better fuel efficiency.
- Fuel stabilisers: Designed to keep your fuel in good condition and prevent it from deteriorating over a long period of time.
- Corrosion inhibitors: A chemical that helps prevent corrosion within the engine system.
- Octane booster: This additive raises the octane number of gasoline, increases fuel stability and enhances vehicle performance.
- Cetane booster: Engineered to raise the cetane number of a fuel, improving its ignition quality and resulting in potentially better fuel economy. It is also thought to reduce noise when the engine is running.
- Anti-gelling: Also called ‘cold-flow additives’, these additives lower the chance of gelling during winter months.
There are many diesel or petrol additives on the market, so do your research on their unique properties, quality and effectiveness.
How are they added?
A quick search online will reveal varying opinions on the best time to add a fuel additive. The general recommendation is to add them first before the fuel itself to ensure a more even mix as the tank fills up.
Always follow the bottle’s instructions for specific instructions. Most additives can be fed into the vehicle the same way fuel is added, and you can use a funnel to direct the flow.
What are the benefits of fuel additives?
The benefits of fuel additives will depend on your chosen type. The advantages can include:
- Improved performance
- Optimised combustion
- Quieter engine
- Extended engine life
- Reduction of emissions
- Improved fuel efficiency
- Lower fuel costs
- Reduced engine wear
- Cleaner fuel system
For accurate information on the benefits of certain petrol or diesel additives, always read the information on the bottle to ensure the intended effect.
Are there any drawbacks?
Not all fuel additives will deliver on their promises. That’s why research is so important. You need to make sure that you find out about the product, and read reviews and user experiences before buying.
The important thing is not to see fuel additives as a magic potion that will transform your vehicle into an ultra-efficient engine that has no problems at all. Additives can’t work miracles. But the right chemical, when researched and purchased with care, can give your engine a helping hand in certain areas.
Protect the quality and longevity of your car with help from Mr Tyre. As a leading chain of autocentres for Central England, you can trust in our technicians for all your vehicle needs, including a fuel cleaning service option using a Tec4 treatment. Whatever you require – servicing, an air conditioning recharge or diagnostics – we can help.
