As you’ve most likely seen, the prices of fuel at our nation’s pumps are rising quicker than at any time in generations and our wallets are taking a hammering. If you have to use your car, or even if you don’t but just enjoy the thrill, freedom, and joy that driving brings, then keeping fuel costs as low as possible is absolutely imperative.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to save money on fuel and keep it from devouring your monthly budget, giving you more to spend on luxuries like food and heating. Read on to see what you can do to keep your fuel costs down, increase your car’s fuel efficiency, and what to avoid if you want to keep money in your pocket.
What is a Fuel Additive?
Fuel additives are a type of chemical that is added to fuel in order to improve the properties of the fuel or prevent degradation and improve its performance in a variety of ways. Fuel additives are usually used in small amounts to help prevent corrosion and other problems that can occur with fuel left untreated and can also be used to alter the properties of the fuel itself. For example, additives can be used to improve the octane rating of the fuel, reduce engine knocking, or help prevent the build-up of deposits inside the engine.
When fuel additives are added to your engine, you may notice changes to your vehicle such as more miles per gallon and/or your refuelling fewer times per week/month, the performance is improving in ways you hadn’t noticed before, such as smoother running, more torque when pulling away, and less turn-over when switching the engine on. Also, as the performance increases, your emissions lower, which is better for the environment and your wallet.
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How to Save Money on Fuel?
Additives That Help
There are a few fuel additives that will help with fuel economy. The best thing you can do to save money on gas is to keep your car tuned up.
Ethanol Injector Cleaner
Ethanol Injector Cleaner (EIC) is a fuel additive that cleans the ethanol out of your fuel system. Ethanol is a type of alcohol used in fuel and in E85 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. EIC helps your car run more smoothly and get better fuel economy by removing deposits and contaminants left behind by ethanol in a conventional fuel.
Octane Booster
An octane booster protects against low octane level issues by increasing the octane rating, and it improves performance by helping to ensure that fuel in a cylinder ignites exactly when it should, even in high-compression engines. If you have a car that knocks, an octane booster will also help prevent it from doing so. A knock sensor in your car’s engine shuts off the engine to prevent damage when the fuel ignites too early. Octane boosters help boost the octane rating of fuel to prevent engine knocking.
Anti-Corrosion/Dispersant
Anti-corrosion/dispersant additives keep your engine from gumming up and prevent deposits from forming inside your engine. – Ethanol Fuel Conditioner: Ethanol fuel conditioner additives help reduce problems related to the storage and ageing of ethanol-based fuel. Ethanol fuel conditioners also help prevent corrosion and oxidation inside your fuel tank.
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Fuel Stabiliser
Fuel stabilisers are intended to be used in the fall and winter when your car is not being driven regularly. They add a stabilising chemical to your fuel to prevent it from going bad.
Fuel System Cleaner
Fuel system cleaners are intended to be used on a regular basis. They clean out the gunk in your fuel system and help keep your fuel system clean.
Fuel additives to avoid
Ethanol Blender
A blender is a blend of ethanol and fuel. It’s an additive that is put into gas tanks to increase the percentage of ethanol. Ethanol is a renewable source of energy, but it doesn’t work as well in your car’s engine and can cause problems.
Ethanol Stabiliser
Ethanol stabiliser additives do nothing to help your engine or your fuel economy. They are only meant to keep ethanol-based fuel fresh and help prevent it from going bad.
Ether Blender (Flammable)
Ether blends are sometimes added to racing fuel. They’re flammable and can be dangerous. Ether blends reduce the amount of soot produced by the burning of fuel, but they can damage your engine.
Best Fuel Additives for Saving Money on Gas
Ethanol Fuel Conditioner
Ethanol fuel conditioner additives help reduce problems related to storage and ageing of ethanol-based fuel. Ethanol fuel conditioners also help prevent corrosion and oxidation inside your fuel tank.
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Fuel Stabiliser
Fuel stabilisers are intended to be used in the fall and winter when your car is not being driven regularly. They add a stabilising chemical to your fuel to prevent it from going bad.
Fuel System Cleaner
Fuel system cleaners are intended to be used on a regular basis. They clean out the gunk in your fuel system and help keep your fuel system clean.
Bottom Line
Many fuel additives promise to improve your car’s performance and save you money on fuel but it’s incredibly important that any fuel additives you buy to put in your vehicle come from a company who have years of experience in fuel additives and knows what is best for you and your vehicle. By making sure you use reputable dealers and follow the guidance above, we are sure that you can save money and extend the life of your vehicle.
