Gas additives have gain popularity over the years because of their claims to improve performance, reduce emissions, and save fuel. In general, if you have a healthy vehicle, you should not need any of these to enjoy the performance, emissions, and fuel savings you were meant to.
There is no magical elixir that is designed to make your engine magically become more efficient and powerful. About the only time these additives may work is if you are not using the right octane rating fuel as your vehicle requires and you increase it to what it is supposed to be using an additive.
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There is no benefit to using more octane than what is required...and the mystery in Marve Mystery Oil should be left at just that...a mystery. The plain simple truth is these gimmicks simply don't offer what they claim and in some cases they can even be dangerous to you, your car, and the environment.
While store bought additives are in general fairly safe, only a handful of them actually improve your octane by a reasonable amount, the rest simply take your money. If you own a high octane sports car and are contemplating using the low octane gas and adding octane booster to compensate, you really need to think if that will be a worthwhile decision.
First, you will have to find an octane booster that actually boosts octane by a measurable amount, then you will have to decide if you are actually saving anything considering the expense of the booster as opposed to just premium gas. You should also know that most experts will tell you that quality gas is most always preferred over an additive of any kind.
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There are a few occasions when an additive may be beneficial to use. Just so you don't think that all additives are evil, these are a few worthy specimens, although don't expect them to improve gas mileage or performance.
Gas additives can take the form of oxygenates (alcohol or ethers), which can reduce the carbon monoxide expelled into the air by your vehicle. Octane boosters and anti-knocking agents sometimes work, but if you need to use them to have a smooth running engine, then there is a problem with your engine that needs a mechanics attention.
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Fuel stabilizers and antioxidants can be helpful if you do not use a vehicle very often, as these will help the gas from getting old and stale and subsequently performing sluggishly. Fuel system cleaners can also be helpful on occasion to clean-up harmful build-up and keep your engine running as it should.
Fuel cleaners will not give your vehicle anymore power or fuel efficiency that they were meant to have, so don't let their tricky advertising fool you. Gasoline additives can also be used to inhibit corrosion and lubricate the upper cylinders, although in general these should not be necessary under most circumstances.
Fuel efficiency cannot be bought in a bottle, it is something that must have come with your vehicle in the first place. Don't use these additives as band aids to fix real problems that need either a mechanic, or perhaps a different vehicle all together.
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Every car owner wants their vehicle to run efficiently and last as long as possible without investing unnecessary money in repairs and parts. Fuel additives are one solution some propose to help you get the most out of the gas you buy and strengthen your car’s performance. If you’re considering purchasing fuel additives to add to gasoline, it might help to learn more about what exactly these products are and how they may affect your vehicle. Read on for Longo Lexus’ overview of fuel additives.
Fuel additives are liquids you can put in your car’s gas tank along with gasoline to make the fuel more effective or improve your vehicle’s performance. Their exact function can depend on the additive you choose. Additives typically have a singular purpose, like optimizing your engine performance, cleaning debris from your gas tank, or preserving fuel before your car sits idle for a long time.
Manufacturers of these additives make a variety of claims about their effectiveness. There’s some disagreement among auto professionals about the usefulness of fuel additives, though. Some claim they can be a great way to protect your vehicle and fix minor problems without paying to take your car to a mechanic. Others are wary of fuel additives, stating they rarely live up to the claims on their labels.
There are many varieties of fuel additives, each delivering a different benefit to the vehicle when combined with gasoline. If you’re shopping for fuel additives, it’s important to be specific about the performance issue you’re hoping to solve so you can choose an additive that addresses your concern. For example, if you want to clean your system out, buying an anti-freeze additive might not do you much good. Here are some of the most common fuel additives on the market, along with a description of what they do:
Fuel stabilizers are some of the most common additives. These products aim to protect gas that’s already in your car if you plan to leave it unused for an extended period. For example, if you fill up your car and then have to travel out of town by plane unexpectedly, you might want to ensure the gas in your tank doesn’t corrode your engine. Plus, after vehicles sit idle for a long time, they’re sometimes a hassle to restart.
Fuel stabilizers help prevent these issues by keeping all the materials within your fuel tank, like gas and water, mixed together. When materials separate, it can lead to corrosion. Fuel stabilizers work best on vehicles that you plan to leave sitting for at least a month. If you’re only leaving your car for a week or two, you probably won’t need any.
Some additives claim to help your gas go farther. Most drivers would probably enjoy a product that stretches their fuel, especially when gas prices can be unpredictable. However, it’s probably best to do some research before you invest in a gas mileage additive. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ruled against the manufacturer of a product called EnviroTabs for false claims that the additives extended cars’ fuel efficiency and reduced their emissions.
Repairing wear and tear with an effective gas additive could have a positive impact on your gas mileage. However, exercise caution when choosing your additive. The best ways to save money on gas are to opt for a fuel-efficient vehicle or a hybrid or electric model and to keep up with your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule.
Some people purchase gas additives to clean out their fuel systems. For example, rust, dirt, debris, and buildup could linger in your gas tank or elsewhere in your vehicle. Manufacturers say these additives clear out the unnecessary remains to decrease the risk of corrosion and help your gas reach the engine more readily.
Fuel injection cleaners are a popular type of cleaner that targets fuel injectors. Some models face carbon buildup, especially if they partake in brief low-speed trips more than long highway commutes.
It’s up to you if you want to try a gas additive in pursuit of a healthier, more efficient vehicle. However, if you have a new vehicle that’s in good condition, you might not benefit much from them. Here are some times when a fuel additive could be a good idea:
If you choose to try additives, here are some tips to make the most out of the experience:
Your vehicle is an investment, especially if it’s a luxury car customized to your preferences. If you want to partner with expert technicians in the El Monte area who understand how to get what you want out of your car, visit us at Longo Lexus. Our service center offers competent professionals, high-quality parts, and convenient hours.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Gasoline Additive. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.