Fuel Additive Every Tank Really Needed?

[SR77]

Is an additive designed to be used every tank like FP60/3000 the only way to keep the fuel system clean or would additives like Red Line FSC, Regene, Techron etc.. used say every 5000 during an oil change do just as good of a job at maintaning a clean fuel system? Are the every tank additive overkill?

Also I know there are other benefits to some additives such as gain in MPG (haven't notice one in a year) and UCL. What exactly does an UCL lube that the existing oil or fuel doesn't already take care off? Does an UCL really make that much of a difference?

thanks for the help!

 

[biomed_eng_2000]

That's an interesting question.

I don't know if there is a "right " answer. However, one way to think about it is:

If your gasoline incrementally and continuously causes carbon buildup in your combustion chanbers, why not have that carbon incrementally and continuously removed?

Inconvenience? Expense?

For many of us here, car maintenance is almost a religion. I think the general public will be content without a fuel additive cleaner for the entire life of the vehicle...just as the general public is content without defragmenting their computer hard-drive for the entire life of their PC. Surprisingly to me, many of my coworkers have never heard of defragmenting, although they use a PC every day at work.

 

[Big Jim]

Unless the fuel you are using is really trashy, there is no benefit to using additives with each tank. Even as often as every 5,000 miles is agressive.

 

[goodvibes]

I think it depends on whats used. I agree that cleaners should only be used just before an oil change but ucl with mild cleaning properties work better in constant use and probably do more for keeping cylinders clean. More hassle and cost so you have to throw that into the equation of what's good enough.

 

[surfstar]

http://bobistheoilguy.com/videos.html

Every tank doesn't seem like such a bad idea.

 

[unDummy]

I'm sticking with toptier gas and my 3-4 bottles of name brand FI/IVD cleaners a year.
Per tank cleaner dosing is an extra hassle that I prefer to live without.

 

[Dr. T]

A little anal? Yes and no...

Using FP to treat a specific quantity of fuel will keep the engine and entire fuel system clean. It will keep the tailpipes looking new, reduce emissions and increase fuel economy thereby paying for itself.

So is there really any reason NOT to use it every fillup?

 

[Patman]

Quote:

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So is there really any reason NOT to use it every fillup?

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Many people (myself included) find it to be a real PITA to add it at every fillup though, especially in the winter when you don't feel like spending any more time than necessary outside your car while at the gas station!

But it really is better to use FP at every fillup if you can. It's the best way to do it. I don't believe that bigger shock doses at longer intervals are as effective.

 

[SR77]

Thanks for the replies. It can be a hassle in the winter months. Does your decision change on what additive to use if you are only keeping the vehicle for 5-10 years?