Fuel additives?

[Karmakaze]

Just wondering, is there a certain mileage milestone where additives would be effective? I mean things like the Lucas fuel Treatment items, etc.

 

[JesusTheAgnostic]

Well GM says to only fill up with top tier fuel so you should never need to add fuel additives to clean the fuel system if you follow the instructions. But if you wanna save a few dollars they also say, if you use non top tier fuel to just add a bottle of their fuel system cleaner with every oil change. I think they suggested techron.

 

[Karmakaze]

What is top tier fuel?

 

[zomby woof]

Home | Top Tier Gas

Generally speaking, additives are a waste of money. You just don't need them.

 

[Karmakaze]

Ah. Well, I use Exxon/Mobil whenever I get gas anyway, since I have the Plenti card, and I like racking up points hahaha. Thanks for the info!

Now that I know I'm ok there, does the class of unleaded matter? I usually stick to the regular, but as a first time, BRAND new car owner, I'm trying to do whatever it takes to keep my car in it's best shape (mechanically and aesthetically).

 

[zomby woof]

It doesn't matter, but, I know that my Colorado has 2 timing maps in the computer. It automatically defaults to the more advanced timing (map) on startup, but upon seeing 3 knock events from the knock sensors, reduces timing to the lesser map. More timing = more pwer, better fuel economy. It makes a very noticeable difference on my truck, so I always run premium to prevent the knock (ping) and keep it on the advanced map. I've read that the 1.4T does the same. Don't know about the 1.8, or what motor you have, but I would try running premium from empty. See if it makes a difference

 

[JesusTheAgnostic]

Just use the cheapest as long as it's top tier, You're fine with the Exxon/Mobil, good gas. My second favorite actually.

zomby woof the 1.4 "does" the same. I hear the Ecoboost Mustang has like 300 hp if you run it on premium and about 200 if you run it on regular gas, our cars don't do that. It's always 138 regardless of the type of gas you use. So unless you're tuned just save your money and get 87 (regular). I'm not saying your Colorado doesn't do that though. Just that the Sonic doesn't.

 

[JesusTheAgnostic]

Running premium all the time though might give you slightly better driveability and peace of mind though.

 

[zomby woof]

I'm sure I read it here (from one of the the well known tuners) that if you run regular in the 1.4T it routinely retards timing due to knock, so he recommended premium. That would indicate that it does. It's something that's well known in other GM vehicles, just don't know if the 1.4 does, but I'll find out when we tune it.

 

[CAMARO-TECH]

I like adding Lucas octane boost every other fill up due to the additives in it. Helps all around with fuel pump lubrication and keeping the injectors clean. Top tier fuel ( AKA premium ) has some of it in it. Don't ever but gas gas after a major rain storm or at a low chain place. You should feel a difference with Lucas in it, maybe after two treatments

 

[JesusTheAgnostic]

I'm like 99% sure that regardless of what octane you put in, as long as you keep using it the car will tune itself to deliver 138/148.

Premium != TOP Tier.

Premium == 91 || 93 etc.

TOP TIER == more detergents

Straight from the manual:

Fuel Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines
in the United States are now
required to contain additives that
help prevent engine and fuel system
deposits from forming, allowing the
emission control system to work
properly. In most cases, nothing
should have to be added to the fuel.
However, some gasolines contain
only the minimum amount of
additive required to meet U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency
regulations. To help keep fuel
injectors and intake valves clean
and avoid problems due to dirty
injectors or valves, look for gasoline
that is advertised as TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline. Look for the
TOP TIER label on the fuel pump to
ensure gasoline meets enhanced
detergency standards developed
by the auto companies. A list of
marketers providing TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline can be found at
Home | Top Tier Gas.

For customers who do not use TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline regularly,
one bottle of GM Fuel System
Treatment PLUS, added to the fuel
tank at every engine oil change,
can help clean deposits from fuel
injectors and intake valves. GM Fuel
System Treatment PLUS is the only
gasoline additive recommended by
General Motors. It is available at
your dealer.


Idk about octane boosters though. From my research though I don't think octane boosters would help enough to actually make a difference.