Many car owners will do anything they can to ensure the engine is running at peak performance. Fuel additives are a topic for debate, so let’s investigate the pros and cons of using fuel additives to settle this once and for all.
Pro: Removes Water
Diesel fuel contains traces of water, which can be problematic, particularly in the winter when it can freeze and block fuel lines and filters. Since water’s freezing point is considerably higher than fuel, additives can eliminate any remnants that could cause complications. Trying a fuel additive to remove frozen water is the most critical thing should know about using fuel additives.
Con: Too Many To Choose From
Fuel additives can help your vehicle run better. However, you need to add a lot before it makes a difference. Some fuel additive producers claim that their products help in unique ways. Others only have new engines in mind, making it tough for owners of older vehicles to give the engine the treatment it needs. Some new additives won’t help with anti-freezing demands.
It might be worth bypassing the additives altogether because the costs will pile up if you purchase multiple types simultaneously and notice no results.
Pro: Protects the Engine
Many parts in an engine could sustain damage and cause engine failure. The lack of lubrication is a common culprit of many such problems. You can expect that the cylinders, fuel pumps, and fuel injectors will remain in tip-top shape if you regularly lubricate the engine.
Con: Contains Dangerous Chemicals
A problem with fuel additives is you never really know what they contain. Some could have harmful chemicals that can ruin essential parts of the engine. Furthermore, these mystery chemicals may not adhere to the current environmental standards for operating a motor vehicle.
Do Fuel Additives Even Work?
There is no way to know that a fuel additive is effective, although there is evidence that some products help motorists. Keep in mind that not every car will reap the rewards that additive manufacturers tout.
Be cautious when trying fuel additives, and know that the performance improvement may be negligible. Get your car checked out by a professional mechanic to ensure an additive won’t worsen any existing issues. Weighing the pros and cons of using fuel additives gives you an idea of its worth and if it’s a placebo for your vehicle’s engine. The good and bad news about additives is that the damage and improvements may be so minimal you may not even notice one way or another!
