It's ok to use fuel additives, right?

[ninsei]

Like Chevron Techron, or some other injector / valve cleaners.

[JFP in PA]

Yes, sparingly, and only quality products, like Techron................

[kbrandsma]

I add a Techron fuel treatment everytime I change the oil. I am currently pushing 110K miles.

Edited February 18, 2011 by kbrandsma

[02tx996cab]

It's certainly okay to use them in moderation if you want to.

Having said that, if you consistently use a "top tier" fuel brand--Chevron, Texaco, Shell, Exxon--then you really don't need them. The top tier gasolines--especially premium grade (highest octane)--contain more and more effective additives than most "bargain brand" fuels, and they keep your intake system squeaky clean. In many cases the additives in the bottle are the same as those in your top-tier fuels; for example, the Techron you buy in a bottle is the same stuff found in Chevron and Texaco gasolines.

However, if you typically use no-name fuels from the local Quik-E Mart, either by choice or because you have to, then adding a bottle of something like Techron every few thousand miles is probably a good idea. This is what I do after a long road trip through locations where I can't get my normal fix of Chevron Supreme for my P-car.

(I'm an oil company guy who's learned a few things about gasoline and additive chemistry over his career...)

Edited February 18, 2011 by 02tx996cab

[Dharn55]

I have seen a recommendation that you should change the oil after using a product like Techron. Apparently traces of it get into the oil. So if you are going to use it, do it just before an oil change. I think hte recommendation came from Porsche.

[Randy_K]

I recently put some Techron in MY 99 Boxster and once in awhile now. When I blip the throttle at idle the engine dies. My coworker has a BMW Z3 and he asked me to get some when I got mine. His car is dying periodicaly as well. Is the Techron just loosening up crap in the tank,throttle body and causing this to happen? Had anyone else had this problem?

Thanks, Randy

Edited March 29, 2011 by Randy_K

[JFP in PA]

I do not believe it is related to the Techron; we have used Techron in a lot of cars for a lot of years and never had any negative issues.

[Randy_K]

Thanks JFP. I've used in in my Ford F150 several times and it has never been issue.

Thanks, Randy