Are Fuel and Oil Additives Really Worth Your Money? Here's What You Need to Know!
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
Ever stood in an automotive store, staring at rows of fuel and oil additives, wondering if they really live up to their claims? Do they boost power, improve performance, and enhance engine reliability? In this video, I dive into my personal experiences with these additives, sharing insights that could save you time and money.
Fuel Additives: More Hype Than Help?
Octane Boosters
Many fuel additives promise to increase the octane rating of your fuel. While it's true that octane boosters can elevate the fuel’s octane level, this doesn’t necessarily translate to more power for your car. Higher octane fuel resists burning, allowing engines designed for such fuel to perform better. However, if your engine isn’t built for high-octane fuel, adding octane boosters is akin to pouring money down the drain. Here in the UK, these additives can cost between £5 and £15 for a small 200-250ml bottle, significantly increasing your fuel costs without tangible benefits for most engines.
Injector Cleaners
Injector cleaners are another popular category of fuel additives. Some of these products can effectively clean clogged injectors, improving fuel flow and engine performance. However, most premium fuels already contain cleaning agents. It's crucial to choose a high-quality additive, as many cheaper options contain a large proportion of carrier liquid and only a small amount of the active cleaning ingredient. Personally, I’ve had good results with BG fuel cleaners, noting improvements in both fuel economy and emissions. However, the efficacy can vary, and the placebo effect often skews perceptions.
Oil Additives: To Use or Not to Use?
Standard Oil Additives
Engine oils already come with a blend of additives designed to optimize engine performance and longevity. Many aftermarket oil additives claim to enhance these properties further, but it's essential to question if you really need them. You want oil that bonds to engine surfaces for protection but still flows freely to avoid any negative deposits that could damage the catalytic converter or DPF filter.
Specialty Oil Additives
Some oil additives claim to improve oil lubricity or prevent oil burning. These can be effective in specific scenarios, such as reducing oil consumption in older engines. However, they are often used to mask underlying problems rather than solve them. Long-term, it's safer to rely on manufacturer-recommended oil additives tailored to your engine’s specific needs. Using generic additives without proper understanding can lead to severe engine damage over time.
The Bottom Line: Are Additives Worth It?
In my experience, most additives don’t deliver the advertised benefits and can sometimes cause more harm than good. Marketing departments excel at selling these products, often leading to wasted money and potential engine issues. If you face a specific engine problem, consult a qualified mechanic for advice on whether an additive might help. Don’t be swayed by flashy packaging and bold claims.
Conclusion
Fuel and oil additives often promise more than they deliver. While some, like quality injector cleaners, can be beneficial, many are unnecessary or even detrimental. Always research and consult professionals before using these products. If you found this video helpful, give it a thumbs up and check out my next video for more insights!
#oiladditives #fueladditives #EnginePerformance #CarMaintenance #AutomotiveAdvice
00:00 Introduction
01:41 Octane Boosters
02:20 Injector Cleaners
04:18 Catalyst/DPF Cleaners
05:00 Oil Additives Overview
06:15 Standard Oil Additives
07:15 Specialty Oil Additives
07:45 Conclusion
www.torquecars.com
Legal Notice: Unless we have inspected your car we can only provide generic theory. All information is provided without warranty, please check any recommendations made with a mechanic locally to verify it would be legal in your area or region and that it would be suitable for your car and your needs.
Пікірлер: 37
I've worked in the trade for 26 years now and I've tried pretty much all the fuel additives. The ones to get in my view are either the Wynns Formula gold, the Wynns Professional or if you can find it the Valvoline Synpower fuel injection cleaner. All of those are fantastic fuel cleaners which work really well and work really fast. A good cheap runner up to these are the STP fuel injector cleaners which also do a good job, especially for the money.
@khalidacosta7133
Күн бұрын
Archoil AR6900-D. Tested to CEC-DW102008... which is helpful as I drive a 2008 DW10 engined car!!
Excellent video, thank you!
Only additive I use is Redex FIC and I have been using it for 40 plus years across every car I have owned from Carburettor to GDI and Turbo charged, my cars have always ran smoother and cleaner, and fuel consumption stays on the level, I am not interested in power gains just keeping the fuel lines and valves , injectors nozzles and Cylinder crowns clean , modern fuels particularly E10 use Bio Ethanol which is high corrosive and can sludge up port injectors and Carburettor's. My current vehicle has a Turbo charged GDI engine I regularly inspect the combustion chambers every 3000 miles or so with my trusty borescope and the amount of carbon build up is extremely low that is down to Redex without a doubt, I try to mitigate intake valve carbon by having regular oil changes every 3000 to 5000 miles way before the manufacturer's recommendation of 7500 miles. Many people will say Redex is pointless on GDI engines well that's there opinion I know different. I always carry a bottle in the car its preventative maintenance.
I watched a comprehensive test of oil additives by an oil engineer. Some can destroy your engine and at best they just shorten the life of your oil. Do not use any oil additive, just use quality oil. He did say fuel additives can help, but if you use top tier gas, you will not need anything!
@paulgroves8633
22 күн бұрын
Shell V-Power always here
@trevormilne3200
21 күн бұрын
Recently started using Dipetane fuel additive in my diesel car, with 110k miles, until using it I had problems with the stop start System that had been diagnosed as the module or alternator, actually turned out to be early symptoms of DPF blockage whereby the stop start knows not to activate as it will make the blockage worse. After two tanks of fuel using Dipetane the car runs perfect and the stop start issues are gone.
@trevormilne3200
21 күн бұрын
Forgot to say, mpg is around 2mpg better, this is based upon my commute being identical everyday and no other domestic use as we use wife’s car for city driving
@6aotka4a
19 күн бұрын
absolutelly disagree! Only ppl not using additives can say that!
Good info
I only ever use octane booster when I can't get 99Ron to help prevent pinging as the engine gets hotter (motorcycle) also use a few drops of Liquid Molly in the bevel (shaft) drive but I always leave the engine oil and gear box oil alone, oils today are a vast improvement over oils in the past where additives where fairly common in use.
I put a full bottle of Redex in a full tank of premium diesel mainly to keep it all nice and clean, power and MPG gains are a bonus 👍
I’ve used reddex diesel fuel cleaner and it’s actually works a lot
Have successfully used a home made fuel additive for years, a particular blend of Isopropyl alcohol and mineral 2 stroke oil. Isopropyl seems to clean injectors, 2 stroke cleans the diesel pump.
@ignasmixer
21 күн бұрын
Can you write complete formula? Were they the diesel injectors?
Oil additives can dilute the oil specifications for your vehicle. I do add Hot Shot EDC in my diesel for cleaning and lubricant.
can you make a video on redex fuel system cleaner please i really want a deep breakdown of what it contains and if it really cleans carbon.....
Are premium fuels worth it? I have a 335d and have just started filling it up with Esso Supreme Diesel. It's 14p a litre more expensive so quickly adds up. Great videos by the way. Big fan..
@torquecars
12 күн бұрын
With premium fuels it depends on the car really. If you get more power and see better MPG then in my book it is worth it. Both my diesel and A3 1.4T petrol show better economy and feel more lively with premium fuels. Over the long term injectors and DPF's etc stay cleaner for longer and this helps prolong the life of the car. Run a few tanks of either and compare your MPG to decide and if you notice the car makes better power then it is a plus. From experience you should see an improvement all round on the 335d. Thanks for your kind words of encouragement. I just do this for fun and it's great to know it helps out a few people along the way.
Tec2000 or Liquid Molly are Very Good 👍
SAAB workshop information system specifically states to not use oil additives. FYI.
Just wondering how often would you use injector cleaning additives?
I agree oil additives wast of money I remember putting slick 50 in meany years ago just burned oil . Ram rough . Tho I do put redex fuel additives Every now and then in my 2.0tdi seems to run better tho premium fuel probably similar effects .
I worked with Honda in Japan some years ago. I wouldn’t recommend any form of oil additive. You need to make sure you’re using the correct specification of engine oil. Fuel additive is an entirely different product. Only use one of these that contain Polyetheramine AKA PEA.
e85 baby... water injection ... perfection
Does Lucas fuel injector cleaner work ?
@joseRodriguez-pk9ld
19 күн бұрын
@@victorhugonatersjr.4868 yes I use that one and Chevron techron both good additives!
44k all the way
What are your thoughts on PEA additives such as Archoil 6900 P Max to prevent carbon build up on direct injection engines? Also have you had any experience with Liqui Molly Motor Oil saver to fix leaking rubber seals?
@zeushualde5627
22 күн бұрын
fuel additives actually help your engine lst
@buttsexandbananapeels
21 күн бұрын
PEA yes. Carbon buildup can be best solved with a catch can. No oil additives. They’re dangerous and can cause all sorts of problems with preignition and emissions equipment.
Dipetane, Dipetane, Dipetane.
Fuel additives can actually help E5 premium fuel is not just for a performance, it is better fuel by large margin and you can get it for same price as regular e10 Oil additives aren’t any good except oil stop leaks which can also help in certain cases Engine flush is also a good one, but again common sense before you use, and you need a reason .