The automotive industry is packed with products like fuel additives that promise to improve fuel performance and engine longevity.
Fuel additives are acclaimed for their alleged ability to clean, protect and improve engine performance. However, similarly to choosing between 95 or 98 Petrol, controversy hangs over how effective it actually is.
In this article, we’ll unravel the mystery surrounding fuel additives and their effects on your vehicle’s engine.
What is a Fuel Additive?
Fuel additives are chemical substances added to a car’s fuel to improve its properties.
Fuel additives have a variety of functions and bring benefits to vehicle engines and combustion systems.
What is the Purpose of a Fuel Additive?
The main function of fuel additives is to clean a vehicle’s injection system, as many additives help remove carbon deposits and residues that accumulate in injection nozzles and engine valves.
These additives also help reduce deposits as well as protecting metal components such as fuel filters against corrosion.
Depending on the type of product, some improve engine performance while others reduce polluting gas emissions, among many other benefits.
What Types of Fuel Additives Are There?
There are several types of fuel additives, each with a specific role to play in the engine and combustion system.
Some of the most common types of fuel additives are:
Detergents and Dispersants
These are responsible for cleaning carbon deposits and residues that accumulate in injection systems and engine valves, helping keep these parts clean and optimise performance.
Antioxidants
These reduce the build-up of deposits and oxidation of fuel, helping prevent fuel deterioration during prolonged storage.
Octane enhancers
These increase the octane number of petrol, which can improve engine efficiency and performance.
Fuel Stabilisers
These prevent fuel components from separating, especially when stored for long periods, therefore maintaining the stability of the fuel.
Lubricants
These help reduce the wear of moving engine parts, improving component life and ensuring they operate effectively.
Friction reducers
These minimise friction between moving engine parts, which can improve fuel efficiency and reduce wear.
Corrosion inhibitors
These protect the metallic components of the fuel system against corrosion caused by elements present in the fuel or atmosphere.
Do Fuel Additives Work?
Yes, fuel additives are chemical compounds designed to perform specific functions in a vehicle’s combustion system and engine.
Among other features, they are designed to improve fuel quality and provide benefits such as cleaning, corrosion protection, and increased combustion efficiency, among others.
What are the Advantages of Using a Fuel Additive?
This type of product has several benefits, most notably:
- Protection against corrosion;
- Cleaning the combustion system;
- Reducing wear between components (e.g., Pistons or Camshaft);
- Provide protection under extreme conditions, provide stability, and ensure reliable fuel performance.
Can Fuel Additives Damage an Engine?
Under normal conditions and if used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, a fuel additive will not damage a vehicle’s engine.
These products are designed to improve certain aspects of the fuel and combustion system without damaging the engine.
How do you use a Fuel Additive?
If you buy a fuel additive and want to use it effectively and safely in your vehicle, you should:
- Choose the right additive;
- Check the recommended dosage per litre of fuel;
- Follow the usage instructions (many additives are designed for regular use at specific intervals);
- Ensure consistent use over time to maintain any continuous benefits to the combustion system and engine;
- Look out for improvements in vehicle performance, noise reduction or increased efficiency.
What is Premium Fuel?
This type of fuel is generally sold at petrol stations as a premium option over standard fuel options.
Regular use of these fuels can help maintain engine performance and extend the life of combustion systems.
Although simple fuels contain additive chemicals, these are only added in the essential proportions required to meet environmental standards.
What is the Difference between Normal and Premium Diesel?
The main difference lies in the presence and action of additives in premium diesel, which provide extra benefits for the combustion system and diesel engine when compared to normal diesel.
Regular use of additive diesel can help keep the engine clean, reduce wear, and extend the life of the injection system.
Fuel additive vs Premium fuel: Which is Better?
Generally speaking, additive fuels are convenient because they already have the additives mixed in the correct proportion and can provide overall benefits to a vehicle’s engine.
However, using a specific fuel additive can be useful if you are having specific problems or want to improve a specific aspect of the engine or fuel.
In summary, if you are looking for a general, practical solution, premium fuels can be a good option. If you want to target specific benefits or solve particular problems, a specific fuel additive may be more suitable.
Regardless of your choice, be sure to choose quality products and follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for best results.
Interested in finding out more about the world of all-things cars? Then follow us on Facebook and keep up with our daily content.
