How often can I use fuel additives on my car?

15

Asked by 04SubaruForesterXS Aug 06, 2020 at 11:43 PM about the 2004 Subaru Forester XS

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I own an ‘04 Subaru Forester. I just need to know how often, and what fuel
additives I should use in my car. I’ve heard horror stories of the additives
ruining the fuel system, and would very much like to avoid doing that to my
car.

Thanks in advance!

6 Answers

695

Why would you use an additive ? Today's gas has everything your car needs already in it .Dont waste your money on additives . If it makes you feel better once a year put a bottle of fuel system cleaner in to help clean out any accumulated junk in injectors and lines . All of the fuel system cleaners are the same so no product recommendations just get a name brand.

48,050

It's more important to keep the detritus swilling up the bottom of your tank from getting sucked up. So NEVER drive a dinosaur below 1/4 tank!

What do you use? Some are safe and some are junk or worse. An occasional dose of Techron is all I would use.

15

I commonly used STP branded (as it is sold at Kwik Trip's here) and I last used the fuel injector & carburetor cleaner, about 6k miles ago (car is at 205k now). I'll for sure use Techron in small doses.

Use Techron at the recommended dose if you want it to work. You could use it once or twice a year depending on how much you drive.

48,050

Techron is indeed more effective as it's concentrated solvents instead of cheap filler. That's why STP et al decided to offer higher concentrations at double the price years ago. Fuels have detergents in them now so I very rarely chase an issue requiring an additive. I really think keeping fuel level above 1/4 tank is the most important precaution with older vehicles.

Your Answer:

Forester

Looking for a Used Forester in your area?

CarGurus has 1,359 nationwide Forester listings starting at $3,995.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Chris W
    Reputation
    11,400
  • #2
    TheSubaruGuruBoston
    Reputation
    9,780
  • #3
    Nick Eidemiller
    Reputation
    6,220
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Subaru Outback
39 Great Deals out of 1,142 listings starting at $3,800
Used Toyota RAV4
140 Great Deals out of 3,035 listings starting at $3,900
Used Honda CR-V
192 Great Deals out of 4,984 listings starting at $440
Used Subaru Impreza
35 Great Deals out of 646 listings starting at $4,299
Used Subaru Legacy
14 Great Deals out of 222 listings starting at $3,200
Used Toyota 4Runner
27 Great Deals out of 553 listings starting at $7,700
Used Toyota Highlander
38 Great Deals out of 828 listings starting at $7,498
Used Toyota Tacoma
43 Great Deals out of 741 listings starting at $9,975
Used Toyota Camry
47 Great Deals out of 1,118 listings starting at $2,500
Used Ford Escape
129 Great Deals out of 4,256 listings starting at $3,999

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.