Are Fuel Additives Worth The Money?

With the rising fuel prices in the summer, many people begin to scramble for ways to get the most out of every gallon and raise their fuel efficiency. With electric cars like the Nissan Leaf this is no worry, but the combustion engines that most cars run on nowadays can have their fuel economy lowered by everyday use that causes buildup in the engine. At most gas stations, you probably have seen fuel additive offers that claim to boost your mpg rating and clean out the engine, but do they really work? At Coast Nissan, your friendly San Luis Obispo car dealer, we can answer questions like that and many more about your car.

What Is A Fuel Additive?

There are several different categories of fuel additives, but you only need to know about a couple of them. The most common are already added to your gasoline at the pump, and you don’t need to pay extra for them. These additives generally increase the octane rating or act as a lubricant for the engine, making the fuel itself more effective. Additives you have to purchase, however, claim to scrub the engine of dirt and grime and increase the mpg that your car gets.

Do They Work?

Ultimately, you should be wary of any product that claims to improve gas mileage, as tests found these additives offer little to no benefit. However, that does not mean they are necessarily worthless. Though they may not directly raise your fuel efficiency, they do clean the injector, reduce carbon buildup and prevent injector corrosion. This can save you money in the long run by not having to replace the fuel injector, especially in older cars.

The best way to keep your fuel efficiency at its max though is with regular Nissan service from Coast Nissan and proper car care. Fixing incorrectly inflated tires or a faulty alignment will have a greater impact on your gas use than an additive, so schedule an appointment today at www.coastnissan.com.

Coast Nissan

12100 Los Osos Valley Road

San Luis Obispo, California 93405

Phone: 877.957.9019

Website: www.coastnissan.com