Chevron has long been a trusted name in fuel additives and its proprietary Techron formula has consistently proven to be one of the top-performing fuel injector cleaners on the market. It does everything you would want a fuel injector cleaner to do. It does an excellent job keeping old and new fuel systems alike clean and performing at their highest ability. Techron not only removes carbon deposits but prevents further deposit formation. Techron optimizes fuel economy, restores lost performance, and can be used to stabilize a tank of gas for up to one year. This product is available in two different sizes and you can buy just one bottle or a six-pack. It uses PEA as its key ingredient and Chevron recommends using it every 3,000 miles.
Although the Chevron Techron has all these benefits to its credit, this product made for overall cleaning of all fuel system components, nor can it be used with a 2-stroke air-cooled gasoline engine. So this cleaner suitable for both 4-stroke petrol and diesel engines. Also, to interested buyers, this product could come off as too expensive.
Royal Purple Max-Clean is a little more expensive than Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus because Royal Purple markets premium automotive products. It also doesn’t need to be used as frequently as Techron and recommends one 20 oz can be used every 10,000 miles or once per year, whichever comes first. Max-Clean treats a wide variety of engine types. It specifies that it can be used in four-cycle or two-cycle engines and can be used in both gas and diesel engines. Max-Clean cleans out your vehicle’s injectors, combustion chambers, carburetors and even your intake valves. Also it can stabilize the fuel in your tank making it good for winterizing a car. The effect of this is the restoration of the fuel power and a reduction in the emission of harmful byproducts, some of which include hydro carbon and carbon monoxide. This feature makes it safer and in fact compliant with the requirement of the Environment Protection Agency.
The downside of this product is that sometimes, in spite of its increased power, the vehicle still records a decrease in mileage. That is, the difference in performance is not so noticeable in driving the vehicle. Another major con of Royal Purple Max-Clean is that its effect does not last long. Therefore, for maximum output, this product has to be used more often than some other products.
The Lucas fuel treatment is one of the few fuel injector cleaners available in a gallon jug which makes it a great choice for drivers looking for a good value. This is likely the best price per ounce you’re going to find on a fuel injector cleaner. It treats up to 400 gallons of fuel and it works on both gasoline and diesel engines. The Lucas Fuel Treatment makes similar claims that all fuel injector cleaners do touting benefits like improved performance and fuel economy plus longer life from fuel system components like pumps and injectors.
The benefits for you and your car, that we have discovered:
- A clean and well lubricated fuel system;
- Absence of sulfur fuel problems, as it is largely neutralized;
- An increase in the power and less fuel consumption;
- A longer lifespan of pumps and injectors. This is as a result of the effective cleaning that the carburetors and the injectors enjoy;
- Apart from these, this fuel treatment also meets up with the low sulfur requirement, for its use in diesel motor vehicles;
The possible disadvantage of this product is in its inefficiency when used with already used fuel. That is to say, for maximum output and efficiency of this product, it has to be used with fresh fuel.
This easy to use product also comes from the stable of a brand that has built credibility overtime. As an additive, this product’s chemistry is top notch so you are guaranteed a corrosion free fuel system. This item is designed to benefit not just the fuel system, but also the use of fuel.
The benefits for you and your car, that we have discovered:
- Cleaning and protection of the fuel system. The Red Line system cleaner cleans every component of the fuel system, from the injectors, to the carburetors, to the valve and up to the combustion chamber. It reduces the possibility of unwanted debris settling in the system to cause harm to the engine of the vehicles;
- Apart from protecting the fuel system, the product guarantees fuel stability and efficiency;
- Its effect on a vehicle is incredible as it almost immediately improves the performance of an idle car;
- It is also one of the more affordable, yet effective, products;
However, it is noteworthy that although this product guarantees a quick effect and change in performance, such change is usually not so pronounced or distinct.
A list of the leading brands that deal in manufacturing of fuel maintenance products would not be complete without BG. And the BG 44k is a product of this brand and is by no means of inferior quality. This product is specifically for the restoration of a vehicle’s performance and gas mileage. Hence, its content- solvents are of good quality. This product uniquely blends chemicals in such a way that dangerous carbon substances are eliminated from the vehicles combustion cylinders. Specifically, BG 44k also cleans the pistons in the fuel system, and restores its performance. This is a feature that not all fuel cleaners can boast of. It is very easy to use and you do not need to break a bank before you can afford it.
Although this fuel cleaner is a good product, its maximum efficiency is experienced when it is used on a more regular basis. It also does not thrive well with vehicles that have previously not been properly maintained. That is, this fuel cleaner is not strong enough to clean a fuel system with an accumulated buildup of carbon. Also, BG 44k is not compatible with diesel engines.
Also from the BG brand, this product was manufactured for a more specialized use. It is only compatible with diesel vehicles. It is made to dissolve unwanted debris and deposit from the whole diesel system, which includes fuel injectors and combustion chambers. It also ensures low emissions. Consequently, it reduces the level of toxic substances emitted into the atmosphere from the vehicles. Apart from these, if you are looking for a product that can withstand high temperatures, this is your go-to.
A major con of BG 245 is that research has shown that it contains certain harmful chemicals that could be responsible for causing cancer and certain birth or reproductive defects.
This is another specialized product made specifically for diesel engines. Although specialized, it is highly efficient. This cetane enhancing product does a good job of cleaning out the parts of your vehicle’s fuel system. It is highly concentrated, hence, Internal Diesel Injector Deposits are easily eliminated from the fuel system.
Apart from that, HOT SHOT’S SECRET Diesel Extreme Additive also helps in the removal of moisture from the fuel system. Vehicles that make use of low sulfur diesel as fuel, are more predisposed to encountering certain problems in their engines. One of such problems is an accumulation of bacteria or mold in the vehicle’s fuel system as a result of the presence of water. This could also lead to the corrosion of its metallic parts. In such an instance, the use of this product can serve as a preventive as well as a corrective measure. HOT SHOT’S SECRET Diesel Extreme is also compatible with various diesel vehicles and generally, engines.
The following are the disadvantages associated with this product:
- When compared to the level of credibility attached to its brand, “Diesel Extreme” is poorly packaged;
- The effect of using HOT SHOT’S SECRET product on different engines and vehicles is somewhat inconsistent and efficiency is not always guaranteed;
- You do not stand to enjoy the luxury of an almost odorless product, as this has a strong odor that smells like ammonia;
This is a uniquely designed 5 in 1 product that efficiently blends a range of functions into one bottle. It cleans the entire fuel system, ranging from the fuel injector to the carburetor, it serves as a lubricant for the appropriate parts of the fuel system, thus reducing friction, it saves and reduces the amount of fuel to be used by the vehicle or engine, it restores the engine power and general performance of the vehicle, and it also prevents the deposits of unwanted substances in the fuel system and prevents the metal parts from gradual rust. STP Ultra 5-in-1 also comes with the extras of it being compatible with modern engines like turbo and hybrid vehicles.
This product seems to have it all, however, not so much can be said about its versatility. Although it is compatible with many modern engines, including hybrid vehicles, it is only suitable for gas-based engines. Therefore, you would not be able to use it for your diesel engines.
If a brand can be into the manufacturing of products for the maintenance of automobiles for 100 years, then you can be rest assured that their products have stood the test of time and are indeed credible. That being the case, the Berryman 2616 was specially produced to serve vehicles whose fuel systems have been poorly maintained. It is made up of chemicals (High Energy Solvent Technology) that are powerful enough to dissolve any carbon build up, through the whole fuel system, to ensure an improved engine performance. This product also gets rid of any moisture available in the fuel system and serves as a lubricant.
Unfortunately, B-12 Chemtool cannot be used in Diesel engines, as it would lead to a deterioration in the performance of such engine. Apart from this, this fuel system clean-up could also make an engine that uses it over a long period of time susceptible to damage in the engine’s components. Also as a result of its highly concentrated content, this Berryman product should not come in direct contact with the painted part of your vehicle. Otherwise, it could damage that part. Hence, the use of B-12 Chemtool requires wisdom, care and control.
When it comes to vehicles with high mileage, Gumout 510013 is the ideal product. It is effective in removing carbon from the fuel system of a vehicle, over a distance of 75,000 miles. Not only does it serve as a corrective measure, it is also a preventive measure in that it prevents any more accumulation of carbon and other residue of combustion in the fuel system. It also reduces the level of the vehicles emission of harmful substances.
Some of the disadvantages of this product is that the vapor from the use of this item could cause drowsiness or dizziness. Hence, caution is required in its use. Also, it comes in a relatively smaller bottle.
Everything You Need to Know About Fuel System Cleaners
Fuel injector cleaners may make claims that sound too good to be true. Are these fuel additives the real deal? Can they really improve performance and fuel economy? We’ll take a look at what fuel injector cleaners do, whether they’re worth it, and which ones to buy.
Before we do, it’s important to understand what fuel injectors are and why it’s important to keep them clean. All modern car engines are fuel injected which means injectors with electromagnetically controlled plungers spray fuel into the engine’s cylinders. Fuel injection has many benefits over older carbureted engines like better fuel economy and throttle response.
Over time, carbon deposits build up in the fuel system, including in the injectors themselves. These can diminish the efficiency and performance of your fuel injectors which can lead to worse performance and fuel economy. Keeping your fuel injectors clean keeps your engine running the way it’s supposed to.
How to Clean Fuel Injectors
Cleaning fuel injectors sounds like a big job, but you don’t have to take your engine apart or even open the hood to give your injectors a good cleaning. Fuel injectors can be cleaned by simply pouring a fuel injector cleaning liquid directly into your gas tank like you would put in gas. Drive your car normally and the best fuel system cleaner does all of the work while you drive.
Many manufacturers of fuel system cleaners recommend using a fuel injector cleaner every 3,000 miles or so or with every oil change. Some products are so powerful that they can be used less often.
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Clogged Fuel Injector Symptoms
So, how do you know if your fuel injectors are getting clogged? One of the earliest signs is worse fuel economy. Many cars can tell you your average fuel economy on the driver information screen on the dashboard. If you’ve been noticing that number slowly going down, but your driving style hasn’t changed, it could be a sign of fuel injectors clogging up. Another sign is if your throttle response isn’t what it used to be. If it seems like your car isn’t accelerating like it normally does, a fuel injector cleaner might help.
If you live in a colder climate, hard cold starts could be another sign of clogged fuel injectors. Clean fuel injectors in conjunction with other factors like a battery in good condition should ensure easy cold starts that don’t require too much engine cranking. If it’s taking a while for your car to start in cold weather first thing in the morning, consider picking up some fuel injector cleaner to see if that helps.
If you’re experiencing all three of these issues, then it’s a strong indicator that you have clogged fuel injectors.
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Choosing the Best Fuel System Cleaners
Using the best fuel system cleaner for your vehicle can improve performance and fuel economy and even make your engine last longer. Before you make a decision, based on our product recommendations, let’s go over what to look for when shopping for fuel system cleaners.
- Quantity: Oftentimes, one bottle of fuel injector cleaner is enough for one tank of gas. Sometimes you can buy a pack of multiple bottles which is convenient if you have multiple cars with fuel injectors that you want to clean at the same time. Sometimes you can get a whole gallon of fuel system cleaner which provides an excellent value, but requires being measured out every time you use it rather than just using the whole bottle.
- Price: The price of fuel injector cleaner can vary quite a bit. You don’t have to spend too much; you can get a bottle of the best fuel system cleaner for less than $10. Sometimes you can save money by buying in bulk.
- PEA: PEA stands for polyetheramine which is the key ingredient in many fuel system cleaners. PEA chemically breaks down carbon deposits in your fuel system which are then removed via your car’s exhaust. Fuel injector cleaners that have PEA as the key ingredient will clean your fuel system fast and thoroughly.
- Packaging: Some fuel system cleaners are easy to dump into your gas tank than others. Many bottles designed to be used in one tank of fuel have convenient designs that make it easy to insert the bottle into your fuel filler without spilling. Others come in bottles that make it a little more difficult and may require a funnel to use properly, especially if you’re buying a gallon jug.
- Frequency: The question of how often you should use fuel injector cleaner depends on the product you’re using. Some fuel injector cleaners recommend being used regularly with gas fill-ups while others claim they only need to be used every 15,000 miles or so.
FAQs
Do fuel injector cleaners really work?
Yes, fuel injector cleaners have a proven track record of really working. The best fuel injector cleaners live up to their claims of breaking down carbon deposits, preventing future buildup, restoring lost performance, and optimizing fuel economy.
How often should I use fuel injector cleaners?
Each fuel injector cleaner has its own recommendation of how often to use it. Many of the popular formulas recommend use every 3,000-4,000 miles or with every oil change. It’s a good rule of thumb to use it with every oil change. Next time you go to the auto parts store to pick up oil, grab some fuel injector cleaner as well and put it in your fuel tank the next time you fill up.
Can I put fuel injector cleaner in a full tank?
Yes, most fuel injector cleaners recommend being used in a full tank of gas. They also usually recommend putting the product in your fuel tank before filling it up with gas. This helps to spread out the fuel injector cleaner to treat the whole tank of gas. If you’re not sure what quantity you need for fuel injector cleaner, check the bottle to see how much gas it treats and use the right amount for the size of the fuel tank in your vehicle.
Can fuel injector cleaner cause problems?
As long as you follow the directions closely on the packaging of a fuel injector cleaner, it won’t cause any problems or any damage to your engine or fuel system. If you use the wrong amount or use a formula that isn’t intended for diesel engines in a diesel fuel system, then you might see some issues. It’s very important to make sure a fuel system cleaner is approved for use in the type of engine you’re using it for and to use the right quantity.
Can I use the same fuel injector cleaner on a gasoline and diesel engine?
It depends. Some fuel injector cleaners can be used in both gasoline and diesel engines and others are specifically designed for one or the other. Check the packaging on a fuel injector cleaner to make sure.
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