The workshop consumables checklist: what to keep on the shelf
Additives
The best fuel treatments for cars: what they do and how to use them
Fuel treatments are additives designed to improve the performance of your vehicle's fuel system. They clean, protect and condition the parts the fuel passes through, so the engine runs smoothly and efficiently. Used well, they help prevent carbon build-up, injector clogging and the gradual wear that leads to lost performance and higher emissions.
How fuel treatments work
The main job is cleaning. Over time, deposits build up on the injectors and in the combustion chamber, which costs fuel efficiency and power. Fuel treatments contain detergents that break those deposits down so the injectors spray properly again. Some treatments also control moisture in the fuel, which helps prevent corrosion and keeps starts reliable.
The common types
Most products on the shelf fall into one of three groups:
- Fuel injector cleaners: the most popular type, formulated to clean the injectors and restore the spray pattern
- Octane boosters: raise the octane of the fuel for engines that need it, giving better combustion in high-compression or turbocharged engines
- Fuel stabilisers: for vehicles and equipment that sit for long periods, preventing the fuel from degrading so the engine starts and runs cleanly after storage
The benefits
A clean fuel system burns fuel more completely, which shows up as better economy. Dissolving deposits also reduces wear on injectors and valves, lowering the chance of an expensive repair later. Many drivers notice the engine idles more smoothly and responds more sharply to the throttle after a treatment. Added to your regular maintenance routine, a fuel treatment helps the engine stay the way it was built.
How to choose the right one
Match the product to the vehicle and the way it is used:
- Vehicle type: a high-performance petrol engine may benefit from an octane booster, while a diesel needs a product that targets injector cleanliness and lubricity
- Driving habits: lots of stop-start city driving builds deposits, so a cleaner that improves economy helps; long road trips or storage call for a stabiliser
- The label: look for detergents to clean injectors and antioxidants to stop fuel breaking down, and check the product suits your fuel type
- Advice: the team at RedPoint can match a product to your make, model and fuel
How to use fuel treatments effectively
A few rules get the full benefit from a bottle:
- Read the label and use the recommended dose for your tank size
- Pour it in before refuelling, so it mixes thoroughly with the fresh fuel
- Use a cleaner about every 5,000 km or with every oil change, sooner if you notice rough idling or falling economy
- Handle it in a well-ventilated area, avoid skin and eye contact, clean up spills straight away and keep the bottle away from children and pets
Are they safe? used as directed, a quality fuel treatment is safe for the engine and the emissions system. Regular use stops deposits forming in the first place, which is easier than removing them later.
Where RedPoint fits in
RedPoint stocks a range of fuel treatments and related products alongside the batteries, oils and filters. Choosing the right one for your vehicle keeps the engine running smoothly and the fuel bill down, and the team is happy to recommend one for your car, ute or diesel.
