USING ADDITIVES

The majority of car manufacturers do not recommend the use of fuel additives. While numerous additive-makers are keen to part you from your cash, a number of businesses claim that dosing good quality additives correctly can be beneficial. BM Catalysts, for example, states that “Correct and regular use of quality fuel additives help to prevent DPF blockage.”

Darren Darling of The DPF Doctor says: “It is difficult for the general public to know what is snake oil and what is good. My advice is to look for any independent testing evidence first, then consider product reviews, while being wary of the ‘placebo effect’, rather than to listen solely to the guy in the shop, who could be trying to push the product that makes him the most money, rather than what is best.”

Keeping the rest of the engine clean – including EGR valves, fuel injectors, turbos, et al – is also a wise decision. CM is often asked about fuel quality between retailers. The answer is complex but, based on our research, while the base fuel tends to be the same and complies with the basic British standards – the additives that are dosed at tanker stage are specific to each company – the fuel can differ even between seasons and it is these extra ingredients that promote combustion efficiency, component lubrication, cleanliness, and much more. Their composition remains a closely-guarded secret. Ultimately, with fuel and fuel additives, it all comes down to trusting both the vendor and the brand.