Liquid hydrocarbon fuel (in our case, gasoline) is the most widely used product consumed by car owners. Not only the comfort of movement in transport, but also the condition of all engine components depends on its quality.
Gasoline is not just a mixture of hydrocarbons created from natural raw materials . The fuel contains a whole list of chemical additives that form the specified parameters and comply with international standards.
What do gasoline additives provide:
- fuel resistance to detonation;
- volatility to create a fuel-air mixture;
- retention of fuel components in a liquid state: absence of deposits in the tank and lines;
- reduction of sludge and soot in the combustion chamber;
- compatible with catalytic converters;
- reduction of exhaust gas toxicity.
Types of fuel additives
All fuel additives can be divided into 4 types depending on the tasks they solve.
Cleansing
Such additives are designed to prevent the formation of deposits and carbon deposits on the injector and other parts of the fuel system. They should be used regularly (every 10 thousand km).
If deposits have already formed, then the use of a detergent composition can lead to their detachment and entry into the fuel. This causes damage to the injectors.
Dehumidifiers
At low air temperatures, water may condense on the walls of the gas tank.
To prevent this, drying additives consisting of alcohol and absorbent substances are used.
Such formulations are ineffective and can only remove small amounts of liquid. They do not solve the problem of low-quality gasoline diluted with water.
Catalysts
This type of additive can increase the octane number of fuel. An artificial increase in this indicator is advisable only if it is not possible to refuel the car with high-quality fuel.
Universal
Universal compositions, according to the manufacturer, perform all 3 tasks described above. But laboratory tests show that the amount of active ingredients in them is small. As a result, such substances have almost no effect.
Useful tips
Now you know what additives are added to gasoline, and you can decide for yourself whether you need it or not. The main thing is to objectively evaluate three factors - usefulness, cost and harm.
- Do not add unknown additives to fuel, do not use several substances at once and do not make dubious mixtures - you will not get the effect or even break the car.
- At the beginning of using the product (1-2 refuelings), it is advisable to add half the norm to the fuel, and then use the additive as prescribed in the instructions. Do not exceed the dose indicated on the package! Each manufacturer has its own density of active components in the same type of impurities, which means the dosage varies and can differ by a factor of three.
- Use gasoline additives every 2,000–10,000 km.
- Don't forget to use protective gloves, a mask and goggles. This is a mandatory rule for dealing with any type of auto chemicals, since aggressive compounds that are dangerous to people are added to the composition of these products.
- Today, universal additives for gasoline are very popular. But it is better to buy a targeted product that will solve a specific problem and will be suitable for the make of your car. This rule will allow you to choose an effective supplement at the best possible price.
- It is advisable to add the mixture not to the gas tank, where the sensor may make an error, but to a fuel container (for example, a canister). This way you will follow the dosage and mix the composition thoroughly.
- Complex fuel additives are best used in new cars or vehicles with low mileage and in good condition. Otherwise, the active mixture will clog all filters. Conversely, mild cleaners are more favorable for used cars with impressive mileage.
Sources
- https://rad-star.ru/pressroom/articles/kakie-prisadki-dobavlyayut-v-benzin/
- https://etlib.ru/blog/725-prisadki-v-benzin
- https://www.zr.ru/content/articles/418484-prisadki_k_benzinu_chem_zapit_benzin/
- https://zen.yandex.ru/media/id/5c7d2c2eeada0500b2d920cf/kak-vybrat-toplivnye-prisadki-5cf4c4b45e3da300ae11de1d
- https://AutoTuning.expert/rating/luchshie-prisadki-v-benzin.html
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Rating of the best models
Below are the brands that have received the largest number of positive reviews from car enthusiasts.
Liqui Moly Octane Plus
This additive can increase the octane number by 2-5 points, depending on the initial quality of the fuel.
"Totek UMT"
A universal composition that helps cleanse the entire system, incl. and spark plugs. At the same time, it increases the efficiency of fuel combustion and reduces emissions into the atmosphere.
"Hi-Gear Octane Plus"
Another octane booster. Drivers note that detonation is significantly reduced. The mixture contains additional cleansing components.
LAVR Oktane Plus
Lavr Oktane Plus is recommended by the manufacturer for use in combination with low-quality gasoline. The composition is designed to protect the engine and prevent detonation.
Castrol TBE
The mixture facilitates cold starting and increases fuel combustion efficiency without affecting the octane number.
Wynn's Supreme
Wynn's Supremium is a universal additive for any type of gasoline engine.
"Suprotek SGA"
"Suprotec SGA" is a cleaning and anti-corrosion mixture that requires regular use.
Liqui Moly Injection Reiniger Light
The mixture is intended for cleaning the injector. It can eliminate the consequences of refueling with diluted gasoline.
LAVR Dry Fuel Petrol
This fuel dryer effectively removes condensation on the walls of the gas tank and helps drain water through the exhaust system.
Sintec Fuel Dryer
A well proven budget dehumidifier. It has no additional properties.
Injector cleaner for gasoline engines
The occurrence of deposits that interfere with proper fuel atomization is the most common cause of failure of modern cars with an injection power unit. Since the injectors are used to supply fuel, their contamination will seriously disrupt the operation of the engine - power, traction, response to pressing the gas pedal will decrease, and fuel consumption will also increase.
Naturally, all these problems can be avoided - it is enough to use high-quality fuel that matches the type of engine, and if you cannot be sure of the quality of gasoline, you should carry out preventive cleaning of the injection system, during which it will get rid of deposits. LAVR Injector Cleaner, which is a professional additive that restores the spray pattern and cleans the nozzle, is perfect for these purposes.
This cleaner is a smart additive that begins to work only in the high temperature zone.
It is recommended to use the drug every 3,000 kilometers, as it will then be able to improve efficiency and also improve the performance of the entire fuel system. Using this additive you can solve some problems of a car with a dirty injector:
- jerks during acceleration and decreased dynamics,
- difficult starting and rough engine operation.
The drug is ideal for any injection systems working with gasoline
Reviews from car owners
Positive reviews from car owners primarily concern cleaning mixtures. Many believe that thanks to their regular use they were able to extend the life of their car. Most people call catalytic additives a waste of money and recommend buying high-quality gasoline instead.
Which type of additives - universal or specialized - is more effective (in your opinion)?
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Combustion chamber and valve cleaner
If we talk about the need to use this additive, it is worth mentioning its ability to remove and also prevent the occurrence of carbon deposits and contaminants on the valves of gasoline engines. Cleaning can be carried out in different ways: with or without disassembly, and for prevention, use a Valve and Combustion Chamber Cleaner, which will help remove the initial carbon deposits that interfere with the operation of the unit.
A distinctive feature of the additive is its wide range of operating temperatures - it is activated at low intake temperatures, as well as at elevated temperatures in the combustion chamber. The drug can significantly improve the combustion process, as well as remove varnishes or resins that are present in the chamber, on the pistons and on the valves. As the temperature rises, any contaminants will begin to break down.
It is worth remembering that the additive is most effective for cars with distributed injection, when fuel is supplied to the valves. For direct injection, the composition will only clean the combustion chamber. If we talk about the reasons for the formation of carbon deposits on valves, these include the following:
- insufficient quality gasoline, which is found at most gas stations,
- EGR valve, the presence of which accelerates the growth of carbon deposits at the intake.
The method of using the product is quite simple - you need to pour it into the fuel tank, which, if repeated regularly, will help:
- return of traction and easier starting,
- normalizing fuel consumption and increasing engine response.
The valve and combustion chamber cleaner can be used with both atmospheric and turbocharged gasoline units.
Carburetor Cleaner
As it is used, the carburetor becomes dirty, so it needs to be cleaned, otherwise incorrect operation or failure is guaranteed. To properly clean the carburetor, you just need to purchase a safe and high-quality product - for example, Carburetor Cleaner, which is guaranteed to remove contaminants. Regular use of the additive will also remove water from the fuel, which significantly prevents rusting. The composition will fully meet the expectations of customers if it is used every 3,000 kilometers.
Other Supplements
This group includes additives that are prohibited for use in the oil refining industry. Of course, this does not stop unscrupulous gasoline producers and traders. They produce a surrogate product based on raw gasoline and such additives, which is sold under the guise of the AI92 and AI95 brands. What additives are prohibited:
- Tetraethyl lead (or TEL) – we have already talked about it; it is a toxic and carcinogenic compound that, when burned, can accumulate in the environment. Banned in the Russian Federation;
- Manganese compounds (for example, cyclopentadienyltricarbonylmanganese) - this scary name hides the organometallic compound of manganese. These additives effectively improve the detonation properties of fuel, but can accumulate in the human body, causing cancer. In addition, they quickly decompose, losing their effectiveness;
- Iron compounds (for example, ferrocine) - these catalysts are less toxic, but can quickly damage the ignition system because they form a reddish coating on the spark plug contact area.
