How often should I add fuel injector cleaner to my car and is it really that necessary?

Question

I have a 2004 Huyndai Elantra with 20,000 miles on it. Some people tell me to add it once a month, others tell me every time I get my oil changed (as a reminder) and some say every 20,000 miles or so. Someone also told me that it's over rated. Who is right?

Answer 1

I have spoken to sales reps from some of the bigger auto chemical companies, and the direct answer from them is that any fuel injector cleaner that you add to your tank is a good way for them to take 5 bucks from you. As others have pointed out already, fuel that you buy already has detergents in it, so it will not clog up your fuel system. What causes deposits is OLD fuel. If your car is not sitting for long periods (say 6 months or so) with fuel in the tank, lines, rail, and injectors, you shouldn't have any problems. If you want to be good to your car, change your fuel FILTER regularly, i.e. every 12-15,000 miles.

Answer 2

If you buy good gas, you should never need it. Texaco, Mobile, Chevron or Quick Trip should all have cleaners in the gas. Also, never add anything to the gas or oil ... it can do very little good and can cause big trouble. You could use a gas dryer only to get water out of the gas, but nothing else. Change oil every 5000 miles on the speed odometer.

Answer 3

I have a 1993 dodge Dakota/169,000+, even though I have added Injector cleaners in the pass, according to the owners manual, it is recondmend that nothing is to be added to the gas, I know that when I did, my MPG dropped. I plan on just doing good maintenance on the engine and Pray the I get over 200,000 miles on it.

Answer 4

you really only need diesel additives during really cold nights. It helps to keep your car or truck from geling up. I work with diesel trucks, and for sure they WILL NOT run well without it. They will act very slugish, then quit all together. All through winter you should add it everytime you fuel up. The container will tell how much for the gallon amount.

Answer 5

It all depends on the gas that you use. Cheaper gas is not going to have the cleaners in it, the more expensive gas does. It is not recommended for constant use, if you do use it. Think of it this way, if you are going to use it, do it the same time you get your oil changed.

Answer 6

I have a GMC pickup (EFI) with 245,000 miles that has NEVER seen a bottle of cleaner. ARCO gas almost exclusively.

If you ask me, I say use it once every 50,000 miles.

It is not designed to replace tune ups.

Answer 7

I have a Chevy Malibu and I have been told numerous times to add it when I change my oil.

I use Gum-Out. It's in a yellow bottle.

Answer 8

I add Berrymans 0116 to my tank every 8000 miles.
My car hasn't had a fuel issue in all of its 135000 miles.

Answer 9

Waste of $$

Answer 10

you don't need it just use good gas