giving up on your old reliable vehicle

giving up on your old reliable vehicle

Are Fuel Additives Good For Your Vehicle?

Glen Soto

When your car isn't getting the gas mileage you want or isn't running as smoothly as you desire, someone is bound to recommend that you use a fuel additive to improve your vehicle's performance. Usually, they can tell you amazing stories of how these substances "fixed" their vehicles. In some cases, these products may be helpful. However, these additives tend to get mixed reviews, so you need to do your research before you pour one into your fuel tank.

Fuel Efficiency

Some people believe that using the right additive can improve your gas mileage, but even if they do, you may not save money. These products are not going to raise your gas mileage from 18 mpg to 28 mpg, in any event. They may lower your fuel consumption to a degree, but you need to weigh the cost of the additive versus the cost of the gasoline. Saving a few bucks on gas each month isn't going to matter if you are spending $20 on additives.

Performance

If you want to start an argument among mechanics, bring up additives. Some experts think that these products can improve your vehicle's performance. Some mechanics advocate them as a way to clean your fuel injector, possibly saving you a great deal of money in repair costs. Also, some additives may prevent carbon buildup on your fuel valves. Anecdotal evidence suggests that using an additive may help your O2 sensor indirectly perform better by cleaning fuel lines, etc. If your engine light comes on, you can have the code read by your mechanic or at an auto repair shop. If a sensor is causing the problem, you can try an additive before you have the part replaced.

Negative Effects

Using additives can have some negative effects. If your engine has a real problem, using an additive may just hide the issue instead of fixing it. As a result, you could cause serious damage by continuing to drive your vehicle. A damaged engine will only get worse if you continue to use your car. Oil additives may also be troublesome, according to researchers, and cause damage instead of improving your car's performance.

Before you use an additive, consult with your mechanic or local auto repair shop. When used wisely, fuel additives may help prevent your fuel system from clogging up. Just keep your expectations realistic and do not spend too much money on them.


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giving up on your old reliable vehicle

When do you call it quits on your old car? The car that you once referred to as "old reliable" might not be the reliable vehicle that it once was. You may be able to make the repairs as often as they need to be made, but think about how much you are spending on making those repairs. This blog is filled with tips that can help you decide if it is time to let go of the car that you love and replace it with something that will keep you going when you need it to get you there with no problems.

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