7 Best Fuel Injector Cleaners — to Help Ensure Optimal Performance!

For many of us, our cars have evolved far beyond simple constructions of engineering to a cherished part of the family unit.

Let’s be honest, the last thing anyone wants is for a family member to become unwell. Seeing how we are often urged to live a healthy lifestyle and to look after our bodies, why should it be any different for our cars?

After all, given what they provide for us, it’s the least we can do for them in return, isn’t it?

As the beautifully beating heart of any car, there is nothing more important than a well maintained, smooth running engine. Without the appropriate care, your engine can not only lose its efficiency, but can cause damage to itself.

The best way to reduce these risks is to ensure the inside of your engine is as clean as possible – and this is where fuel injector cleaners come in.

From what they are, how they work, why we need them and the best methods of using them, this article will walk you through the comprehensive world of fuel injector cleaners – no stone will be left unturned, no question will be left unanswered.

Grab your metaphorical dusters and don your rubber gloves, and let’s learn about fuel injector cleaners!

Our Top Recommendations for the Best Fuel Injector Cleaners

• Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner – 20 oz.: Automotive
• Red Line (60103) Complete SI-1 Fuel System Cleaner – 15 Ounce: Automotive
• BG Products 44K Fuel System Cleaner – 3 Pack: Automotive
• Lucas Oil 10512 Deep Clean Fuel System Cleaner – 16 oz.: Automotive
• Royal Purple Max-Clean Fuel System Cleaner and Stabilizer 11722: Automotive
• Liqui Moly 2007 Jectron Gasoline Fuel Injection Cleaner – 300 ml: Automotive
• Lucas LUC10013 10013 Fuel Treatment – 1 Gallon: Automotive

Note: Clicking the above links will take you to further information, current prices and customer reviews on Amazon.

What is a Fuel Injector Cleaner? And How Does it Work?

Quite simply, these are products made to remove the dirt from your engine.

Specifically speaking, they’re made up of multiple chemicals that help with cleaning the fuel lines, thus ensuring the optimal performance of your car.

There is a common misconception in regards to the purity of the gasoline we put in our cars at the gas station.

There are arguments that certain fuel blends can damage the engine through deposits in the gas or the corrosive properties of the ethanol.

Using these products minimizes these effects while removing any clogged deposits.

The Ingredients

Before we get down to the nitty-gritty (in fact, removing the nitty gritty from the engine), first we need to talk about what goes into these products.

There are three principal ingredients used, all of which provide their own unique benefits for your engine. And don’t worry, each of these comes with a much easier to say abbreviation:

Polyisobutylene (PIB): PIB acts to remove any deposits, dirt or sediments that build up in both the fuel lines and injectors. It is most commonly found in diesel fuel injector cleaners and is said to reduce engine knocking and misfiring.

Polyisobutylene Amine (PIBA): Similar to PIB, PIBA specializes in removing any moisture from inside the engine. It is important to note, however, that this is usually used as a maintenance product, because it’s not an effective cleaner on some parts of the engine, such as the combustion chamber. PIBA is also most effective when your car hasn’t been run for a long period of time.

Polyether Amines (PEA): The specialist skill of PEA is removing any solidified deposits from inside the engine. To get scientific for just a moment, PEA is able to break down the structure of deposits at a molecular level. Once used, PEA leaves no residue in your engine.

Breaking It Down: The Process

As discussed above, each of the mentioned ingredients has its own specialism. Each cleaner on the market will have ideal scenarios as to when they should be used; so it’s important to find the right cleaner for the job in hand.

Make sure to check the bottle before buying!

Simply put, however, the process of how these work is beautiful and wonderfully simple:

1. The cleaning fluid mixes with the fuel in your car. The cleaners have to run through your engine on a full running cycle with the fuel for the best benefit.
2. The cleaners get to work on breaking down any residue or deposit build up.
3. The base components of these cleaners are all combustible. This means the cleaners themselves have burned away, just like with your normal fuel. As a result, there should be no residue left in your engine once the cleaner has been used.

No magic, just good old-fashioned cleaning. It really is that simple.

Think of it as a full body detox for your car.

Why Do You Need to Do This?

Simple: without them, our engines can become clogged up, which ends up having bad effects on the running of your vehicle.

In this section, we’ll explain how your engine can become dirty, how this affects your car and how you can tell it’s time to use one of these products.

These products work as spray bottles, injecting gas into the combustion chamber. If these become dirty or clogged up, their efficiency will then decrease, or – in some cases – stop working completely.

How Do Fuel Injectors Get Dirty?

It is inevitable that engines will become dirty over time. The use of ethanol in fuel creates non-combustible leftovers that remain in our engines.

However well you drive, carbon build up is something that can’t be completely avoided. The only unknown factor is how long this will take.

If you’ve ever wondered why some gasoline is more affordable than others, it’s all down to quality. This quality will then affect how fast deposits build up in the engine. Cheaper fuel alternatives run the risk of accelerating deposit build-up, whereas higher quality, more expensive ones contain additives to maintain the health of your engine.

When you turn your engine off, any leftover fuel will settle inside of it. On top of that, any leftover gas will settle anywhere, including on the nozzles themselves. This residue can then limit the amount of fuel that can be injected into the engine.

The third factor is debris. Most debris that gets into the engine is picked up by the filter, but there may be some that do manage to get through. If there is water in the fuel system, this can cause corrosion which in turn can cause debris to become jammed in the injectors.

The Risks of Neglecting Cleaning

As has become obvious, dirty fuel injectors can lead to a decrease in the efficiency of your engine. But things are slightly more complex than that. Dirt can lead to an array of other issues that could become very costly to repair if left unchecked.

Without using cleaners, you will experience a loss in engine performance, a poor idle, harder starts, reduced economy and increased emissions, among other things like poor idling and odors inside the car.

In more extreme cases, clogged injectors can cause hydrostatic-lock. Hydrostatic-lock occurs when fluid or dirt enters the combustion chamber and prevents the engine from completing a full cycle. The affected pistons then seize, causing catastrophic engine failure.

If it’s not hydrostatic-lock, dirty injectors can encourage oil thinning – and the last thing any of us want is metal on metal contact!

The Symptoms

How can you tell that it’s time to get your fuel injectors cleaned?

To make it easy for you, here’s a simple checklist for what to look out for. If you start noticing any of these, it might be time to buy yourself a fuel injector cleaner:

• Issues starting the car
• The car sounding rough when idling
• The engine struggles to reach full RPM
• Poor performance
• Smoke from the tailpipe
• Engine knocking
• Jerking while accelerating
• Failure in emissions tests

The Benefits of Fuel Injector Cleaning

There is, in fact, a two-stage benefit system that will be explained through the joy of bullet points.

The first benefit stage is all about the direct results of using injector cleaners on your engine:

• The combustion chamber and fuel nozzles will be clean of any carbon deposits.
• Lubricating the fuel lines and various components of your engine will reduce friction inside the engine.
• The fuel burn will be more efficiently, guaranteeing better gas mileage and a smoother ride.

As a result of these engine improvements, other benefits start to shine through in your car. And now, we reach the second stage of benefits:

• The engine is protected from corrosion
• Throttle response is vastly improved
• Starting the car in cold weather will become easier
• Noticeable improvement in engine emissions
• Eliminating black smoke from your tailpipe
• Removing any engine knocking

What Are the Different Types I Can Choose From?

Earlier on we looked at the different ingredients that make up your average fuel injector cleaner. These ingredients form the basis of the different types of cleaners that are available. In much the same way as frequency, the type of cleaner you purchase should depend on what it is exactly you need it for.

Each of the three central ingredients has their own specialist cleaning ability. As per the same categories that we used for frequency, there are different scenarios that will require a different ingredient.

More often than not, different products will combine more than one of these elements, but each product will often focus on one as their main selling point.

General Maintenance and Cleaning

When looking for a regular cleaner to maintain the efficiency of your engine, it is suggested to use either a PIBA or PIB-based product.

PIBA will tackle any moisture within the engine, thus reducing the risk of hydrostatic-lock. On the other hand, PIB takes care of the solid carbon deposits inside the engine and is the go-to cleaner for any diesel car.

Urgent Cleaning

When dealing with a serious case of dirty fuel injectors, you should opt for PEA.

PEA is the strongest of all the cleaning elements, breaking down any dirt in its’ path. If you have neglected the fuel lines of your car for some time, PEA should usually be the cleaning ingredient of choice.

Which Is the Best Type for Me?

At the end of the day, choosing the right product for your vehicle’s make & model and being confident about your buying decision may seem like a daunting task, with so many options on the market that compete for your attention.

Then you have some products that get marketed as ‘cure in a can’ which, in reality, more often than not can damage your car further.

A hard and fast rule is to go with trusted brands. Most cleaners are relatively inexpensive, so you should focus your search specifically on what you need.

A decent brand will specify exactly what type of cleaning it will perform, so you’re sure there’s compatibility there, and will not claim to cure the full spectrum of engine issues.

Car Specific Tips To Keep In Mind When Choosing The Right Product For You

When picking and choosing between different products, there are some odd tips and tricks that are great to to keep in mind.

• If you live in a humid area, PIBA is important due to its moisture removal qualities.
• PIBA is one of the better choices for older cars with a large amount of dirt. It removes the deposits without risking damage to the engine with a stronger solution like PEA.
• It is genuinely accepted that you want a cleaner which contains PEA, even if it isn’t the main ingredient. Some products without PEA may dislodge dirt but not fully remove it.
• Always check the size of your fuel tank before purchasing one of these products. The size will determine not only how much you can use, but what type of cleaner to use to promote efficiency and prevent any unwanted damage.

Best Fuel Injector Cleaners: a Detailed Look at Our Top Recommended Products

Now that you know why it’s important to find the right product for your vehicle, as well as features you need to take into consideration when shopping around for one, let’s have a more detailed look at our top rated picks and discuss why each made it on our list in a little review section of its own.

Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner

This option is designed for gas-powered vehicles, including 2-stroke, carbureted, direct injected and fuel-injected engines.

It’s a simple (but effective) way to flush out all that dirt build-up which can be harmful to your car’s system. Just one application in a full tank of gas should do the trick in most cases.

Modern cars have been designed to perform best with a clean engine, so getting this part right is more important than ever.

The Techron formula is trusted by motorists to clean engines without causing any further harm. To do this, it focuses on removing sediment from carburetors, fuel injectors, intake valves and combustion chambers, and it also helps prevent further build-up for the future.

Techron Concentrate Plus works well on older engines too, so don’t feel discouraged if you’re not driving a brand new (or relatively new) car. Getting rid of the residue that has been left behind by inferior quality gas over the years and protecting the parts from further damage is definitely something this product can help you out with.

The formula also does no harm to oxygen sensors or catalytic converters, unlike some of the other options on the market.

By cleaning out the whole system, the Chevron Techron cleaner will optimize the efficiency of your car and improve fuel consumption. This will inevitably lead to a healthier car with faster acceleration, higher power and minimal engine hesitation.

Looking to avoid any pesky start-up problem during the colder months before it happens and you have to worry about how you can solve it? Check! Want to minimize knocking and pinging? Check! Want to unleash your car’s full potential? This will do the trick! Use it after each oil change, or once every 3000 miles for maximum benefit.

Manufacturers Specs and Feature List

• 20-ounce container treats one tank of gas.
• Removes sulfur and other damaging deposits.
• Restores lost power and performance.
• Additive patented fuel technology.
• Lowers emissions.

What We Like

• Techron works on old or new engines, to keep all systems clean.
• Concentrated formula for one use every 3000 miles.
• Promises to enhance efficiency, saving you money in the long run.
• Gets rid of all that lingering dirt which might have been there for years.
• Trusted by motorists and mechanics.
• Can be used on trucks, motor cycles, and other 2-stroke vehicles.
• Improves acceleration.
• Increases fuel economy.

What We Don’t Like

• Can’t be used more than twice between each oil change.
• Ingredients are unclear.

Summary

Not only does this option work for pretty much all cars, regardless of whether yours is old or new, but it’s also a good choice for larger vehicles (if you have a truck, for example).

Two-stroke engines can also benefit—even your lawnmower could be given a new lease of life. So, if you’re looking for an all-around winner, this one might just be the right choice for you. Just don’t use it on a diesel engine!

Want to know more about this product? Then click here for more information.

Check Price at Amazon

Red Line Complete SI-1 Fuel System Cleaner

These days, most people seem obsessed with the exterior aesthetic of their cars, ensuring they’re gleaming for passers-by to see. While we perfectly get that (and can’t say we’re not guilty of that ourselves sometimes), but truth be told, what’s on the inside is more important.

One bottle of Red Line is enough to clean the dirt deposits from an entire engine’s fuel system, including the upper cylinders and valves.

The concentrated formula is very powerful (but safe) for regular use in oxygenated, reformulated, or unleaded gasoline engines, so you can trust it to do the trick multiple times over, and clean and lubricate your fuel system for optimum efficiency.

Their promise: To restore your engine to almost 100 percent effectiveness. While that sounds like a pretty tall order for many, it’s a claim that Red Line stands by and does pretty well.

For first use, pour the contents of the bottle into your empty tank and add up to 20 gallons of gasoline for optimum effectiveness. Reduce the concentration for subsequent treatments; using half a bottle every 1500 miles.

All in all, this option improves the stability of your fuel and helps keep your engine running smoothly for longer. Red Line also claims this product will reduce the need for higher octane fuel.

Manufacturers Specs and Feature List

• 15-ounce bottle for single use.
• Cleans and reduces the formation of nasty deposits.
• Enhances fuel stability.
• For neglected vehicles, one bottle will do the trick.
• Reduces the need for high octane.
• Acts as a cylinder lubricant for the interior of your engine’s system.
• Can be used alongside oxygenated fuel.
• Safe for regular use.

What We Like

• Reduces the need for octane, so is less of a hazard.
• Promises to clean to up to 100 percent effectiveness.
• Can be used every 1500 miles.

What We Don’t Like

• Positive effects don’t seem to last for a long period of time beyond the first tank of gas.
• Not too many actual reports of improved consumption to back claims up.

Summary

With the promise of almost 100 percent effectiveness and increased performance, what more could you ask for? Red Line is a multi-purpose fuel injector cleaner for most petrol engines, both neglected (if you’re guilty of that) and new.

Looking for something best suited for regular use? Red Line might be the one for you.

Click the link here to check it for yourself.

Check Price at Amazon

Bg Products 44k Fuel System Cleaner

You can’t always trust your local gas station to provide high-quality fuel—there’s just no way of knowing what mixtures they’re selling unless you trust them blindly or are an expert and do some manual inspection yourself.

For those of you who aren’t (or don’t feel like doing) either, this is where a fuel system cleaner product like this comes in. This easy-to-use cleaner is a great way to blast dirt deposits quickly.

After just one use, the filthy—and potentially corrosive—deposits left behind from years of neglect will be removed. It’ll also target newer deposits laid down from cheaper fuel you may have unwittingly used. It’s not always your fault since not everything is in your control, but it’s good to know you have something to rely on when needed.

This is a great way to ensure your car’s engine is not damaged by these deposits, and a great way to keep the engine running smoothly.

Since this product is alcohol-free, it’s safe to use alongside oxygenated fuel. It’s also safer around catalytic converters than some of the other options out there.

It’s always important to ensure your safety first before doing any work on your car whatsoever, and this product definitely ticks that box.

Without the deposit build-up, the engine’s performance will improve. This will, in turn, help boost acceleration and power. It will also generally improve the overall drive-ability of your car, so it’ll be plain sailing (or should we say driving?) on any future journeys.

This cleaner can also treat up to 20 gallons at a time. It’s suitable for all engines and fuel types, which makes it a versatile addition to just about any home garage.

Manufacturers Specs and Feature List

• Restores performance.
• Improves efficiency.
• Increases power output.
• Reduces exhaust emissions.

What We Like

• Safe to use with oxygenated fuel and catalytic converters.
• Alcohol-free, so isn’t flammable.
• Treats 20 gallons at a time.
• Suitable for all fuel types.
• Comes in a pack of three 11-ounce cans.

What We Don’t Like

• Not as budget friendly as some of the other options on the market.

Summary

This cleaner is suitable for all types of gasoline engines to increase fuel consumption and restore performance.

Although there are other products out there that are easier on the pocket, you won’t be disappointed once you’ve bought and used this product – we think it’s well worth the price for what it offers.

This product will help those on a limited budget who still want the best for their cars, with three cans included in the package.

Want to get your hands on this option? Just click here for more information.

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Lucas Oil Deep Clean Fuel System Cleaner

Here’s a great option which reduces harmful NOx emissions in your engine. It aims to remove the carbon deposits from the engine of your car as well, including the combustion chamber and intake system.

As we mentioned previously, there are some blends of fuel which can really hinder your car’s performance over time. The good news? This is where the Lucas Oil deep clean fuel system cleaner comes in handy.

This exclusive blend is combined with a carrier fluid which contains no harmful ingredients, such as kerosene or diesel. It lubricates the fuel system parts to protect them for longer and help prolong your engine’s life.

So, what happens after the cleaner has done its job? Well, without the carbon deposits plaguing the interior of the engine, your car’s bound to feel faster and become more efficient, which means it will pump fewer harmful emissions into the atmosphere and not requiring much high octane fuel. That’s a win-win for both the environment and your pocket!

You’ll also see a real difference in fuel consumption, and any pinging or knocking will very likely be eliminated. If used every 3000-4000 miles, it will help keep your engine in tip-top condition.

Manufacturers Specs and Feature List

• The 16-ounce bottle treats up to 30 gallons.
• Limits harmful nitrogen oxide emissions.
• Eliminates carbon deposits.
• Decreases knocking and pinging.
• Improves your MPG and vehicle performance.
• Revitalizes sluggish engines.

What We Like

• Minimal chemical use.
• Reduces the need for high octane.
• Removes carbon deposits and other dirt from the engine.
• Does a good job at improving overall car efficiency.

What We Don’t Like

• Not good for use in diesel engines.
• Not the best option to use on previously neglected engines.

Summary

Are you on the hunt for an option without all those nasty chemicals found in many of the mainstream options available nowadays? Well, this one might be just what you’re looking for.

Without diesel or kerosene and by reducing the need for high octane fuel, your car will thank you for everything you’re doing.

Want to learn a little more about what this product really does? Click on the link below for all the information you’ll need.

Check Price at Amazon

Royal Purple Max-Clean Fuel System Cleaner and Stabilizer 11722

The Royal Purple Max-Clean fuel system cleaner has an impressive list of accolades, doing almost everything required from it. It’s no surprise that ‘NAPA Know How writers’ awarded it the accolade one of the “10 overlooked services that can extend the life of your vehicle.”

By providing a deep-clean service to your car’s deepest orifices, all those nasty carbon deposits will be washed away soon enough. This will greatly improve your fuel economy while reducing carbon toxic emissions that your vehicle produces.

This bodes well not just for the environment, but also your own health and well-being since you won’t be exposed to much of these chemicals anymore.

The Royal Purple cleaner also increases your car’s horsepower, all while preventing any hiccups in its workings. If you want a car that drives without hesitation, stalling, or other sundry poor-performance quirks, this is a great choice.

This product is safe to use with any oxygenated fuels, as well as two-stroke and four-stroke engines. Suitable for boats, lawnmowers, and motorcycles (among others), this makes it a really versatile formula to use in almost any vehicle. It can also be used in diesel engines, unlike other options on the market which aren’t compatible with diesel engines.

One thing this product offers which others on the market don’t is that it stabilizes fuel in your car even when it’s not in use. That’s pretty useful, especially if you’re a casual car enthusiast who only takes your ride out for a spin once in a while.

To use in your vehicle, pour the contents into an almost empty tank and top up with up to 20 gallons. For smaller or larger tanks, use one ounce per gallon. Repeat every 10,000 miles or once a year.

Manufacturers Specs and Feature List

• Restores fuel economy.
• Reduces emissions.
• Improves engine performance.
• Reduces hesitation and stalling.
• Decreases the chance of premature spark-plug fouling.
• Improves car’s power.
• Inhibits corrosion and oxidation.
• Safe for use in all oxygenated blends.
• Reduces engine-related knocking and pinging.

What We Like

• Can also be used on diesel engines.
• Tests were done to prove that it works and back claims up.
• Works with just one use.
• Removes carbon deposits to reduce emissions.
• Improves car’s power.
• Reduces hesitation.
• Improves car’s efficiency.
• Can be used in multiple engine types.
• Safe for use in oxygenated environs.
• Stabilizes fuel even when the car is not in use.
• Third-party endorsement.
• Treats up to 20 gallons per can.
• Treatment only required annually or every 10,000 miles.

What We Don’t Like

• Some of the test results may be biased, so take them with a grain of salt.
• Not the cheapest out there, and some lower priced products might be just as effective.

Summary

This option really seems to have it all.

If you want something versatile which promises everything the other popular options promise and more, this is definitely one worthy of your consideration. With awards and tests to prove it and back up claims made by the manufacturing company, this is one of the most underrated products on the market today.

As it only needs to be used every 10,000 miles, or once a year, this is way less than most cleaners which recommend treatment every 3,000 miles.

Want to discover more about this hidden gem? Click on this link and you’ll head straight there:

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Liqui Moly Jectron Gasoline Fuel Injection Cleaner

The Liqui Moly Jectron fuel injection cleaner, made in Germany and used in Formula 1 vehicles, hits it off with us right away. It promises to return your fuel injection system to its former glory, lowering emissions and improving ride efficiency – and does a great job at it.

Harmful emissions will be reduced as your car won’t be churning out all that toxic grime from years gone by, and the Liqui Moly prevents it from building up again in the near future. It also works to help prevent starting problems from coming up, such as stalling and hesitation.

But that’s all pretty standard for these products, right? This is what they’re all supposed to do after all, no? So what does Liqui Moly do that makes it stand out from the crowd?

Ir promotes accurate consistent and accurate injector dosing, which will work to maximize atomization. In turn, all of this translates to improving your vehicle’s MPG. The Liqui Moly Jectron cleaner is user-friendly as well, so it’s an excellent option for those of you using such a product for the first time ever.

Next time you’re at the gas station, simply pour the contents into your tank before you fill up, using the supplied funnel – and you’ll be all good to go!

Manufacturers Specs and Feature List

• Eliminates starting problems.
• Also reduces hesitation and stalling.
• Smoother idling.
• Better throttle response.
• Cleaner combustion engine.

What We Like

• Promises the car will return to its original performance.
• Suitable for cars with catalytic converters.
• Improves car efficiency through reduced fuel consumption.
• Reduces emissions.
• Eliminate starting problems.
• Improves throttle response.

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t go as far as some of the other products on this list.

Summary

This product seems to do everything it needs to do pretty well. It cleans up your car’s fuel system, reduces harmful emissions, and improves your car’s overall efficiency.

If you want the reassurance of a product used in Formula 1 cars, this product may be the one for you.

Want to find out more about this product? Click here for more info.

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Lucas Luc10013 10013 Fuel Treatment

Finally, our last product on the list is the Lucas fuel treatment. This 1-gallon container looks a little old-fashioned, but I quite like that—it gives off a 50s vibe which makes me think of classic sports cars. Now, let’s dive into the formula itself.

It’s a potent mixture of fuel additives and oils, without solvents, manufactured to increase MPG and lower emissions by providing cleaner combustion.

For use in gasoline and diesel engines, as well as LPG engines that are either fuel injected or carbureted, the high detergent action will restore your engine and improve efficiency. By lubricating and cleaning the injectors and carburetor, fuel will burn more effectively, resulting in more horsepower and improved consumption.

Vehicles that require leaded fuel will particularly benefit from this treatment, as it will replace the lead benefits without causing dangerous emissions. In short, it will neutralize the effects of low sulfur diesel, which means that it actually abides by the requirement to ensure low sulfur content (as set out in federal law for diesel vehicles).

The Lucas LUC10013 also has another trick up its sleeve. It actually burns excess exhaust emissions, which helps get rid of waste. To use, add to an empty tank before filling up, with a ratio of 2-3 ounces for every 10 gallons of fuel.

Manufacturers Specs and Feature List

• Cleans and lubricates the system.
• Increases MPG and power.
• Adds life to your cars inner-workings.
• Made in the USA.

What We Like

• Abides by federal laws on sulfur emissions.
• High-action detergent.
• Not only cleans the carburetor, but lubricates it too.
• Increases engine efficiency.
• Improves the power of your vehicle.
• 1-gallon container treats up to 400 gallons of fuel.

What We Don’t Like

• Difficult to pour into the gas tank from the 1-gallon container itself, it needs to be measured out first.
• No clear indication of how often the product can, or should, be used.

Summary

This is an great all-around product for any vehicle you drive, whether it’s diesel, LPG or gasoline. It also works to lubricate fuel systems while cleaning them.

We like that it’s US-made and adheres to the sulfur emission laws as well.

If you want to take a closer look at what this product has to offer and see if it’s a good fit for you, click this link.

Check Price at Amazon

How Often Should You Use a Fuel Injector Cleaner?

The frequency depends solely on why you’re using it in the first place. Your reasoning determines which type of cleaner you want to use, which will then dictate how often it should be used.

There is some debate as to how frequently a cleaner should be used. Some have suggested that cleaners should be used every 10,000 miles, whereas others have suggested it is as low as every 1,550 miles. Ultimately, the type of transmission you have will affect how frequently you should be using one.

There are other sources that suggest that the best time to run your cleaner through your car will be when performing an oil change.

Do remember that each cleaner is unique to itself, meaning they will have a specific set of instructions for use and frequency. So, when in doubt, always follow those instructions.

However, here are some general guidelines to follow.

General Maintenance

There is some debate surrounding how often these products should be used when performing maintenance work. To stay on the safe side, use small doses on every other fill up to best improve the efficiency of your vehicle.

General Cleaning

If you have noticed some symptoms of dirty fuel injectors, you may wish to use a product that focuses on low-level cleaning.

In these cases, it’s best to use a stronger cleaner with a larger dosage. However, this should not be done regularly, but more as an ‘every now and again’ product.

Urgent Cleaning

If your fuel injectors are completely clogged with dirt, deposits, and despair, this will be where you turn to the strongest cleaner you can find, using the largest dose you can (usually, all of it).

This, however, should only be done when vitally necessary.

As always, be sure to read, understand and follow the instructions on the bottle first – or else it could all go awfully wrong.

How Do You Use a Fuel Injector Cleaner?

If you’re worried about having to buy and use one too many tools for this job, don’t be – it’s much more simpler than it sounds like! In fact, one of the biggest benefits these products have to offer is just how easy they are to use.

If you were to do such cleaning manually, for example, this would require considerably more time and mechanical knowledge, all while not being anywhere near as effective – well, unless you’re a mechanic, anyways. But even that’s not a given, so …

The first important tip to keep in mind is location. It’s best to do the cleaning at a gas station, simply because you can refill your tank as soon as the product has been added.

The process itself can be undertaken in three simple steps. However, certain steps may change depending on a few factors.

A Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Make sure your fuel tank is nearly empty. This promotes the best mixing with the cleaner.

Step 2: Add the correct amount of your chosen cleaning product (amounts will vary depending on the type, size of the gas tank and the reason for use) directly into your fuel filler.

Step 3: Top up your gas tank with your regular fuel.

See, it really is that easy.

One thing to keep in mind is that some cleaning products will require you to leave your car idling for some time before driving. This is often the case with the heavy-duty cleaners. As a general rule, leaving the car idling will give time for the cleaner to remove the dirt from inside the engine.

For general upkeep and maintenance, you can hop straight in and drive away. The cleaner – in this case – will provide slow, consistent cleaning that prevents the build-up of new deposits.

The cleaning product will always specify individual instructions, so please check in detail before use, no matter what it is you’re trying to achieve.

Conclusion

Convinced that using a fuel injector cleaner is an essential part of vehicle maintenance on a routine basis? You should be!

Neglecting all of this will only lead to problems down the line, such as a poor idle, decreased engine performance, reduced economy, and much more. Not only will all of these problems mean expenses (costly ones, perhaps) for you down the line, but it’s also a huge time drain you won’t enjoy being sucked into.

With the seven product recommendations we discussed above, we’re sure you’ll have no problems whatsoever finding an option that suits your needs.

That’s it from us! Other than that, please feel free to leave your thoughts or any comments/questions you have below, and we’ll do our best to help out however possible!