After a recent oil change, the shop (not dealership) suggested that I get a fuel line cleaning done for something like $170. I declined, not knowing exactly what this is.

Is this something I should have done? Can't I just buy a cleaner from an auto store and pour it into the fuel tank? Is it even necessary?

 

sounds like someone wants to put an extra 170$ in his pocket!

 

Pure profit for the dealership. There is sufficient detergents in most brands of gas, no matter if you use regular or premium, to do the job. If you want to treat your car from time-to-time you can just dump a bottle of Chevron Techron, get the bigger 20 oz. bottle, in the tank while at the gas station filling the tank. The stuff goes on sale all the time so just wait for a sale and grab a few bottles.

 

Yep, $5 will buy you a decent Fuel system cleaning liquid at Wal-Mart. $170 is not reasonable.

 

Although the gasoline contains cleaning agents, the deposits still tend to accumulate in the car’s fuel system. It is especially affecting OLD cars, which tend to accumulate deposits in the combustion chamber, fuel injectors, valves and other parts of the fuel system.

The accumulation of deposits in the combustion chamber increases the compression ratio and the clogged fuel injectors along with valves with deposits can create a lean air-fuel mixture, both of which lead to detonation/knocking, loss of power and increase in the fuel consumption.

Although some of the symptoms sometimes can be cured by switching to a higher grade of gas, there is a better long-term solution – products that clean the fuel system.


Never ever add anything to your gas tank until you car is 20 years or older=) all this cleaners is just a higher octane liquid.

 

there is not a single piece of information in this post that is accurate . it is essentially folklore and
voodoo and factually incorrect in virtually all it represents.

 

I use Seafoam and Techron. I dump a can every 4~5K miles. All you need to do.

 

Thanks all. This is what I suspected. I'll pick up a fuel additive on my way home from work today.

 

If you are professional I will agree with you. But that's my opinion.

 

How did they determine you needed a cleaning? Are you getting hesitation or any other symptoms?

 

well...i am a professional... and it would be better if you didn't represent your opinion , which in this case isn't correct or accurate in any respect , as some sort of real and meaningful information.

if you are guessing, or repeating what you read on the back page of popular mechanics in some magic bean additive advertisement then you are better off not saying anything.

 

Well 99% people could say that they are professional. Any proof?=)

And you are not my dad to tell me what to do

 

if you have been using good gas...you dont need it.

dont waste your money

 

Other than his last sentence which I absolutely disagree with, what facts do you find faulty? A natural byproduct of combustion is residue that, even in microscopically minute quantities builds up on valve stems, injectors, and piston surfaces. That is one of the driving forces that cause fuel companies to add products, commonly called detergents, to their fuel. This detergent action helps clean the various surfaces. From my reading Techron is a very good fuel additive for very occasional use.

 

And the best and professional argument goes to "and you are not my dad". VERY convincing! Btw, the difference between being professional and being A professional is huge.