What Types of Fuel Additives Are There?

Fuel additives boost your car engine’s performance in various ways, depending on what you are trying to achieve. These substances, when used according to their instructions, can help your vehicle as it gets older or during adverse conditions.

Discover the types of fuel additives available for your vehicle.

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Fuel Injector Cleaners

Your vehicle’s fuel injectors use precise electronic controls to deliver exact amounts of fuel to the combustion chamber of each piston. When the mixture of air and fuel is off, it can cause your engine to knock. 

Fuel additives that clean the injectors can reduce carbon deposits on the injectors. These carbon deposits hinder the right amount of fuel from going into the combustion chamber. 

Ethanol Treatment

Most gasoline in the United States contains at least 10 percent ethanol, and E-85 gasoline contains 85 percent alcohol. Unfortunately, ethanol can cause water to form in the fuel system. When water enters the system, it separates the fuel and causes it to run less efficiently while causing rust and metal deposits.  

Ethanol treatments can reduce the amount of water that collects in the tank to preserve your vehicle’s fuel system for as long as possible.

Octane Boosters

Cars with older engines can benefit from octane boosters to help fuel work with high-compression engines. Luxury cars and premium sports cars may also need octane boosters for regular fuels to make sure the combustion chambers in these vehicles work properly. You can tell when something is off when you hear knocking sounds in your engine.

Fuel Stabilizers

Are you moving your vehicle? Are you storing your vehicle for an extended period of time? Fuel stabilizers can keep the fuel in the tanks from breaking down or becoming ineffective, which can cause damage to your engine if you restart it. Fuel stabilizers work for seasonal vehicles like boats, RVs, and lawnmowers, as well as collector cars that don’t run very much. 

Anti-Gel Diesel Additives

Diesel engines have a tough time in the winter and during frigid temperatures. Anti-gel diesel additives can prevent paraffin wax particles from solidifying and clogging engine lines and filters. It’s best to use anti-gel diesel additives. 

Related Post: Fuel Additives FAQs

Who can help me with fuel additives for my vehicle?

The friendly technicians and staff at Thompson Sales can help you with fuel additives and advise you on how best to use them. Contact us or call at (417) 763-6811 for more information.