Fuel treatments or additives are fluids you put directly in your gas tank. They’re designed to reduce wear on your engine and deposits on intake valves and manifolds, carburetors and fuel injectors. Additives lubricate engine parts and generally enhance performance.
Things You’ll Need
- Owner’s manual
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Check your car owner’s manual to see what fuel treatments are recommended, or if the manufacturer recommends against using any at all. Don’t gum up your engine with the wrong additive.
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Figure out which problem with your engine’s performance you need to correct. As with cold medicines, you want the specific treatment that addresses your engine’s issues.
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Find treatments for sale at auto-supply stores, at mass-market or discount stores in the auto section, or from your mechanic (16- oz. bottles sell for less than $5).
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Add the treatment at your next fill-up (usually a full bottle per tank) to the empty tank, then pump gas as usual. Use treatments regularly for maximum effectiveness.
Tips & Warnings
- Fuel treatment may be a simple solution for knocking or hesitating on acceleration. Higher-octane gas, however, is often a cheaper solution. See How to Purchase the Right Gasoline.