Being a car owner means you have to maintain your vehicle so it will run properly and last for a long time. There are certain things you should regularly do to improve your vehicle’s performance and help avoid mechanical problems.
Adding fuel system cleaner is one of those things. You can find fuel additives at automotive stores and many department stores. Adding it when necessary can save you money and time on problems and repairs.
How Does Fuel Injector Cleaner Work?
Fuel injection cleaner is a chemical solution that helps break down the deposits, gum, and gunk that gets left behind from has. These things can cause numerous issues in your vehicle and can even cause it to stop running.
Fuel injector cleaner is added to the gas tank of a vehicle and travels through the fuel system with the gas, breaking down the deposits as it makes its way to the engine. If the product is effective, it makes a big difference in the way the vehicle runs and improve fuel efficiency.
How Often Does A Car Need Fuel Injector Cleaner?
Some cars only need to have fuel system cleaners occasionally added to help remove any buildup in the system. Newer cars, cars that consistently get good quality gas, and cars that have been well maintained should get a dose of fuel additive every 12,000 to 15,000 miles.
Older cars, vehicles that have been neglected and cars that don’t use quality gas should get a dose every 4,000 – 6,000 miles. Some additives require more than one treatment before they start to work. Some can also be harmful to the fuel system if used too often. Vehicle owners should follow the instructions on the product bottle to be sure they are using it properly.
Signs You Should Add Fuel Injector Cleaner To Your Vehicle
It can sometimes be hard to know if your car needs mechanic work or some fluids. Fuel injector cleaner can make a big difference in the way your car runs, but how do you know when the vehicle needs it? Most signs are subtle in the beginning and become worse if you ignore them. You don’t have to be a car expert to know when to add fuel cleaners to your vehicle, just watch for some of these signs.
- Engine stutter
- Hesitation
- Stumbling
- Misfire
- Poor performance
- Rough idling
- Failed emissions test
- More fuel consumption
Types of Fuel Injector Cleaners
There are many different types of fuel system cleaners. Some are made to clean only the fuel injectors. While these types may work well on the nozzles, they fail to pick up deposits and buildup in the rest of the system.
This can still make it hard for gas to get through the line and cause problems. Unless you know for sure that the only blockage is in the injectors, it’s better to choose an additive that can clean more than one part of the system. Look for products that are 3-in-1 or even 5-in-1, for the best results. Some can even be added to your engine with oil to help clean out deposits and gum there as well.
Be aware that there are also different types of additives for different fuel types. Some work for gasoline engines, some work better for diesel engines, some are for ethanol blends, and some are made for bio-fuels. Adding the wrong type of injector to the wrong type of fuel could cause a severe problem for your vehicle so be sure to choose the right product for your fuel type.
How We Choose Our Ratings
We know that our customers want honest and accurate reviews to help them make smart choices about the product they buy. When it comes to your vehicle, you want to make sure the products you add to it are safe and effective. We take a lot of things into consideration when making our lists, including brand reputation, company data, and review from other customers. Some other things we consider include
- Cost
- Effectiveness
- Capabilities
- Size
- Bottle Shape
- Safety
- Ingredients
Top 14 Fuel Injector Cleaners
If you think your car may need to have the fuel injectors cleaned, add one of these products to your system. Keep in mind it may take a few doses before your car improves. If one product doesn’t work, wait for it to clear out of the system and then try a new one. Here are a few of the best fuel additives on the market.
Red Line Complete SI-1 Fuel System Cleaner
Red Line Complete SI-1 has the highest concentration of PEA of any other injector cleaner on the market. It is a full system cleaner and provides lubrication to the upper cylinder. It is great for older systems, and it works fast. It reduces the need for octane and helps make the vehicle more fuel efficient.
While many people swear by this product, there were a few who said they didn’t notice any change when using it. It’s expensive, and it can only work on gas engines. The bottle has a nice shape, and it pours easily without dripping or causing a mess.
Lucas Fuel Treatment
Lucas is another big name in the automotive industry and a brand most people trust. This fuel treatment is an affordable option that works just as well as the more expensive brands. The price is higher than other treatments, but you get a lot more, making it a better value. The solution also lubricates the system, which can help make it last longer and perform better.
It’s effective at helping car owners pass smog tests and can quickly make your car more fuel efficient. This treatment can also work in both gasoline and diesel engines. It comes in a gallon jug, which makes it hard to pour and life. You may need to use a funnel, or keep a smaller container on hand to pour the treatment into before adding it to your vehicle.
STP Super Concentrated Fuel Injector Cleaner
STP Super Concentrated Cleaner is an effective and affordable option for cleaning your injectors. It removes gunk, carbon buildup and deposits from fuel systems and makes the engine run more smoothly. One of the active ingredients in this product is jet fuel.
It can help neglected, old cars run better and improve gas mileage and performance on new vehicles too. It doesn’t work as quickly as some of the other products though. You may have to use a couple of bottles before you notice any improvement. It’s also not as strong as similar products.
Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner
Chevron is a trusted name in the automotive industry. They manufacture various fluids, tools, and parts for vehicles and their fuel cleaner is top of the line. It is an all-in-one cleaner and doesn’t only clean fuel injectors, but the entire fuel system. It also works on all types of gas engines. Whether you have a car, truck, bike, or boat, you can use this product in your fuel system.
It is made of gasoline mixed with 400 ppm of polyetheramine. It breaks down girt, grime, and deposits in the fuel system so that the fuel can flow better. It can restore older systems to knew and help keep new systems working properly. It is one of the more expensive options on the market, and it’s potent. It should only be used as directed. Overuse could cause damage to your fuel lines.
BG 44K Fuel System Cleaner
The BG 44K Fuel System Cleaner is also an all-in-one product that won’t just clean your fuel injectors, but your entire fuel system. It only takes one treatment to see the difference. The cleaning fluid washes away grime and deposits from the entire system. It works well with other fuel products too.
It only takes a small amount to see results, which makes it a good value. It only works in gasoline engines. It is pricey, but it lasts a long time. Many customers claim that they saw results in their fuel mileage after just one use. Other customers complain that the bottle is shaped oddly hard to pour. You may need to use a funnel to prevent spills and drips.
Royal Purple Max-Clean
Royal Purple is a fuel cleaner that removes the sludge and gunk from your fuel system. It can also fix stalling engines and hesitation. It’s a 3-in-1 solution, and it can reduce fuel emissions by as much as 20%. It works with both diesel and gasoline tanks. If you use gas that is not top quality, this additive can help keep your fuel system running correctly.
It’s not one of the most expensive fuel system cleaners on the market, but it is pricey compared to some others. Many customers complained about the shape of the bottle and said that it is hard to pour the solution into the car without spilling a lot of it.
Liqui Moly Jectron Gasoline Fuel Injection Cleaner
Liqui Moly Jectron Gasoline Injection cleaner is great for vehicles with catalytic converters. It can help lower emissions and fix a variety of engine issues such as rough idles, delayed throttle response, and starting problems. It’s affordable, but it does take a few doses before you see results.
It’s a lot more affordable than similar products, and it does improve performance. Some buyers claim that this solution actually clogged their fuel injectors. It is PEA-free, which means it isn’t strong enough to reduce years of gunk and sludge. It comes with a funnel topper that makes it easy to pour into your car.
Sea Foam SS14 Cleaner and Lube
Sea Foam is a popular brand of injector cleaner. It’s one of the most effective products on the market, and it can cut through sludge and carbon buildup easily. It can give your car more power under the hood and help old cars run like new again.
Unlike other fuel system cleaners, you don’t pour this one. Instead, you spray it into the tank. There is a straw in the nozzle to make it easier. While the foam is useful, it does cause the vehicle to release white smoke for a few minutes after it’s first started. It can also cause the check engine light to come on for a few minutes.
You should notice an improvement in the way the car runs after the first dose. Some people thought the spray can was convenient while others said their cans didn’t have enough pressure to release all the foam. Customers also complained that the straw falls out of the can.
Royal Purple 18000 Max Atomizer
This fuel cleaner is for direct injection engines. It has a high level of PEA, so it is capable of cleaning out severely clogged systems. It can also help stabilize ethanol-blended fuel to prevent future corrosion and problems.
This product works best with direct injection systems, but it works on all type of diesel and gasoline engines. It’s not meant for the entire system and only cleans the injectors and nozzles. Some customers complained that the bottle is hard to use without spilling. You may need to use a funnel with it.
Gumout Regane High Mileage Fuel System Cleaner
Gumout Regane High Mileage Fuel System Cleaner is used to clean out the gum and gunk out of your system. It has a high amount of PEA, which allows it to cut through severely neglected systems. It’s affordable and works well.
It can also help protect clean systems against buildup. It can improve fuel efficiency and idling. Some customers weren’t impressed with it and felt like they didn’t see results even after they used it several times.
Lubegard 77012 Fuel System Booster
Lubegard 77012 Fuel System Booster is an additive that cleans and lubricates fuel systems so corrosion will not occur. It’s suitable for cars that don’t get a lot of high quality gasoline. It works great to remove deposits from deep inside the system and can even clean spark plugs.
It works on both diesel and gasoline engines and even bio-fuel or ethanol blend engines. It also works on both 4-stroke or 2-stroke, making it perfect for ATVs and dirt bikes.
Sta-Bil 360 Performance
Sta-Bil 360 Performance is specifically designed to break down carbon deposits. It can also prevent soot from getting into the intake valve. It removes gum and fights corrosion. This product prevents water from getting into the fuel system and works with both gasoline and diesel engines.
It performs best in ethanol-mixed engines. It’s affordable, and one bottle goes a long way. It can be used up to 50 times. It comes in an easy-pour bottle, so you don’t have to worry about making a mess or wasting any of it. Most people start seeing results after the first couple of uses.
Fuel Injector Pro
Fuel Injector Pro is a multi-cleaner. It can clear out fuel lines, fuel injectors, and even fuel pumps. It also improves the gas, so the engine runs better and more efficiently. Each bottle is one full dose, and it takes several treatments to see results.
The bottle recommends using the product on a regular basis. The bottle hs a long spout, which makes pouring easy. The company name is relatively new, so it doesn’t have a huge following or much of a reputation yet, but those who have used this product say it works great.
Marvel Mystery Oil 50665 Ultimate Fuel and Motor Treatment
Marvel Mystery Oil 50665 Ultimate Fuel and Motor Treatment is excellent at cleaning out fuel lines and injectors. It can also remove deposits along the fuel system. It can also be used with engine oil, and it works with gasoline, diesel, biodiesel, and ethanol blended fuel.
Each gallon of product treats 16 gallons of gas. It is inexpensive, and the bottle makes it easy to pour into the system. It can be used regularly, and some users said that it took a few doses before they noticed results.
What Kind Of Results Can Fuel Injector Cleaner Deliver?
You may be wondering how you can tell if the fuel additive you chose worked or was right for your vehicle. While not all product provides instant results, some do work quickly. If you are wondering if you chose the right one, look for some of these results.
- Better performance
- Faster throttle response
- Less hesitation when starting the vehicle
- No stalls
- Stronger idling
- Better fuel efficiency
- Fewer emissionsf
Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to choosing the right fuel injection cleaner for your car, there are several things you should consider. You want to make sure you select an additive that is right for your fuel type. The product should also address the problems you are experiencing.
If you have neglected your vehicle, or if it is older, you should consider a product with a high amount of PEA. Keep in mind that some products may be too strong or harsh for some systems. If in doubt about which types of cleaners are safe for your vehicle, ask a mechanic or contact the car manufacturer.