I just had my 2019 ES-350 in the dealership for the 4 year service (only 21,000 miles with mostly stop and go traffic.) The dealership recommended a full fuel system cleaning/flush for $290. I am not aware of any need for that service at this point even as some sort of preventive maintenance. Any thoughts on how often that needs to be done?

 

Don’t do it.
Put a can of Seafoam in the tank every 3-4 months and you are good to go.

 

Just use one can of BG44K every 5000 miles. Most dealerships I know use BG44k and call it a fuel system cleaning. It's a money grab for them.

 

Completely agree with the other posters here. Unlike some other cars, our V6 is expressly designed to clean its own valves with a sophisticated system of compound fuel injection. Occasionally use one of the additives above, or a can of Techron which I've also heard good things about. Most of all, follow the manual's instructions to routinely use one of the gasoline brands listed on Top Tier Gas dotcom, which have a higher level of detergent additives to nip any such problems in the bud. You can keep your cash and still be good to go.

 

Always try to use a Tier one fuel when you fill up. A list of Tier one stations is online. Other than that as the previous members have suggested, a can of a quality fuel cleaner will do. I use Techron myself... Don't let the dealer get you for $290.00 for a can of cleaner...

 

Top Tier gas and regular maintenance will do. The fuel system cleaner the dealership might use is just BG (I think that's the brand) fuel additive they add. Some say fuel system cleaners work, some don't. In my own experience, there was no noticeable difference, so I never add it in. The only scenario I'd use a fuel additive was if I was traveling and would have to fill up at some middle of nowhere gas station that doesn't use Top Tier, but I haven't been in that situation yet either.

 

Recently did a brake fluid change and throttle body cleaning at Lexus, wasn't too expensive. At 30,000 miles on an almost 5 year old F Sport, I notice an improvement in acceleration, no hesitation or sputter right after start. I consider it worthwhile.

 

Ah the classic dealer suggested "wallet" flush.

Buy Top Tier gas (NOT high octane gas) and you really never need additives or separate cleaners. Gasoline itself is a wonderful cleaner, truth me told I've used gas as a solvent cleaner in the garage. It smells a bit though but it's a fantastic cleaner.

 

Would you recommend gas additives for hybrids? Seems the same, no?

 

The same. I use Seafoam and Techron.

 

Thanks. Excellent point to make the distinction between high-quality Top Tier gas and high-octane Premium gas. The first is what you need.

And, love the nickname! :.D

 

As others have mentioned and having had lots of cars throughout my life and some modified sport cars, don't waste your money. Top tier gas like Shell has conditioners already in the gas. If you want to go a little further just because, BG44k is the best I have used. Techron is also good. I dont drive my car much so I am fortunate and can get non ethanol gas where I am.

 

Will start with a tank of nearby Sunoco today. Hope it eliminates the occasional “hesitation” I’m experiencing, especially when moderately accelerating going up a grade. Can’t hurt to give it a try.

 

It always amazes me how these dealers come up with scams to take your money. Some years ago on the Gen 6 forum a member had his car, an ES350, in for service and the writer asked if he wanted the differential service. He asked how much it was - I forget now what it was - He then proceeded to tell the service writer that the ES350 doesn't have a differential... HELLO!

 

Have you checked your air filter? A dirty one can cause that issue.