It was recommended by KIA on my previous SX turbo engine that Techron fuel additive be added to the gas fill up at every other oil change.
I understand that it helps to remove or prevent carbon deposits that are more common with fuel injected engines.
Does Lexus recommend using Techron for the NX 350 ?

 

I honestly think that just pretending to pour a can in will give the same results, but some people claim it works.

 

I don't think Lexus recommends putting any sort of additive into any of the vehicle's fluids, period. As far as fuel goes they do recommend using "top tier" gasoline which already has additional cleaning additives that exceed the basic gasoline specifications. But that said, I've heard Techron is a decent fuel system cleaner which I think is already present in Chevron gasoline. Shell also markets their premium gasoline as having extra cleaning additives (Nitro +, whatever that is, I think Shell used to add Techron too back in the olden days). Perhaps instead of going out of your way to buy additives you just use one of these brands for gasoline if you want extra detergents? Perhaps better to microdose your Techron instead of getting a big hit on rare occasions?

As far as carbon deposits go, excess deposits tend to be more associated with direct injected only engines and especially if they have EGR systems. The NX350 has neither (although the NX350h and NX250 do have EGR). All the NX engine variants use "D4S" which has both port and direct injection, which should greatly limit the build up of carbon deposits. And for the NX350 that lack of EGR is also a big plus. Your Kia may have been a direct injected only engine with EGR, and it may have needed all the help it could get.

Note: you also should be careful about adding too much detergent additives. I can't remember exactly what kind, but for a while in the not so distant past some detergents at higher levels would cause low speed pre-ignition. What was supposed to clean out your engine was destroying it instead. I think those detergents have been removed from gasoline sold today, but who knows what's on the shelf. I don't think Techron was in this category, but too much of a good thing is not always a good thing.

 

Just get top tier gas. You’ll be fine.

https://www.toptiergas.com

 

Thanks Droid13,
I appreciate all your information and explanation details. I'm glad to hear Lexus doesn't recommend putting in additives.
Yes - my KIA Sportage SX was direct injection.
I do use 91 octane minimum and usually buy Mobil/Exxon gas.

 

Lexus dealers here put in fuel additives on every service, up-charging complementary service to like $126 or more. For a $8 pour-in additive!
Toyota/Lexus itself recommends additives in Hawaii and Puerto Rico only, or other countries with dubious fuel quality. Mainland US has TopTier gas stations easily available which is good enough according to Toyota service guide. Check the guide if in doubt.
Toyota has their own rebranded one, I don't remember which OEM. But Techron may have better name and is cheaper.

 

The general recommendation (from testing done at Chevron’s laboratories) is to use it 1x between OCI’s or roughly 3k. I’ve runs tests on 2x vehicles over a decade w/it and found that to be about right. I generally use Gumout Regane HM, asa the concentration of the effective ingredient is slightly higher and it’s slightly Cheaper.

Techron has PEA - a unique additive found in Chevron gas but NOT all top-tier gas, in fact no others I know of. It will generally pay for itself in restoring lost MPGs, in fact.

Toyota (used to say) never to change your ATF, and they gave various oil recommendations for their own financial reasons (EPA incentives vs. not). If you take their word at gospel, you will not be doing the best for your car.

 

Using Shell 93 Nitro gas. Also PEA additives are the ones you want to use. Yes they do work.

https://ricksfreeautorepairadvice.co...stem-cleaners/

 

Wow ! Pro’s & Con’s on additives.

 

I dont know if all Top Tier gas is created equal,(at least w the exact same formulations) I can say that Costco Top Tier gas has on two occaisions contributed to dirty fuel injectors.
My 264k mile toyota started getting poor gas mileage and rough idle for about two months....after adding a can of Royal Purple Max Clean (has plenty of PEA's), the gas mileage picked up about 10 per centage on the following tanks.
This has happened twice over the last few years.You are at the mercy of whoever is at the controls mixing your gasoline batch at the refinery truck dispensary
YMMV

 

I had a bad experience with Costco gas myself. I have also seen many other comments on neg problems with Costco gas over the internet.

Why I shared about Shell 93. Seen a few different test about it. I try to mostly run Shell 93, there is a Shell rewards discount at the pump that can give you a little discount also if you sign up for it.


I also use the the Gumout and/or Redline Fuel cleaner that has a good concentration of PEA in the tank periodically too. I have actually seen the differences on the 2GR V6 Intake ports, and Valves. With and without.

 

My area dont have too many Tier gas stations; I use Techtron every 2K,
Since most of the time I use 87 octan, I don't see a reason why not use the addtives.

I buy them in bulk when they go on sale in AutoZone

That my 5-cent

 

Name Brand gasoline and or Top Tier, that's all you need in almost all circumstances. Consume your fuel regularly if you're driving a PHEV like the NX 450h+ you will need to make sure you use your tank up within a certain amount of time, you will get a dash warning if you haven't done so. The reason is gasoline will go 'stale' over time. It will absorb water and some of the needed ingredients will decay with time. Pretty much all Toyota Lexus gasoline engines today are both port and direct injected, their engines are designated as D4S. The port injection will keep your intake tract and valves clean and free from carbon build up due to the detergents found in all gasoline today as regulated by the government (USA and Canada, possibly other countries as well) Auto manufacturers over the years have pushed to have fuels regulated and tested regularly to show conformance.

Fuel additives have therefore been rendered senseless to use as your engine will be cleaned of carbon deposits with your fuel anyways during the port injection use.

If you have a direct injected only engine, your valves and intake ports never see gasoline touch them so they will have a tendency to carbon up. Putting fuel additives into your tank won't solve the problem either. Some manufacturers, like Honda's engines, are only direct injection and don't have much of a problem with carbon build up.

The 2 videos referenced in post #11 explain what is going on inside your engine, and detergents are definitely needed in gasoline. If they're there in sufficient quantities such as in a Top Tier fuel, then you're doing your job at keeping your engine as clean as it can be.

Much more important here is oil dilution with fuel. This is the top priority of good long engine health. short trips, cold weather start ups, poor fuel quality, will all contribute to fuel getting pass the oil rings and into your oil. This results in poor lubrication ability and piston rings and bearings will suffer great amounts of wear. Change your oil often and use high quality, proper weight and grade of oil as recommended by the manufacturer and change it often! 5,000 miles (8,000 kms) or every 6 months.

 

i don't think Costco gas is considered top tier. Sometimes you get what you pay for


YMMV,

MidCow3

 

Everyone keep in mind, the fuel that is blended at the refinery is not the last step. The usual source of bad or contaminated fuel come from tanker delivery trucks or holding tanks that are used at station under ground. I've seen stories of diesel being pumped into gasoline tanks, and the holding tanks getting contaminated with water or rusting out. I believe they need to be fibreglass or a polymer now. Anyways 'bad' fuel stories are usually found to be at the gas bar not coming from the refinery.

Google ' bad fuel found at gas station. ' the list will be long!

Costco is listed as Top Tier:

you can search here:
https://www.toptiergas.com/gasoline-brands/