Fuel system cleaners
03-22-2018, 05:06 AM
#1
AudiWorld Member
Thread Starter
Fuel system cleaners
Are these of any real value? Years ago I was always told there was no reason to use any sort of additive of any kind. But I see a lot of products now with hundreds of great reviews, and am wondering if I should be using something. In particular I was looking at:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0097SDU..._t1_B00092893E
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Is this just a waste of money or is it truly beneficial to use something like this? And/or is it only beneficial if I've been having issues, but if all seems to be going well, no need for it?
My Q5 is around 8 years old with about 70k miles and, knock on wood, runs quite well.
Thanks!
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0097SDU..._t1_B00092893E
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Is this just a waste of money or is it truly beneficial to use something like this? And/or is it only beneficial if I've been having issues, but if all seems to be going well, no need for it?
My Q5 is around 8 years old with about 70k miles and, knock on wood, runs quite well.
Thanks!
03-22-2018, 06:03 AM
#2
Audiworld Junior Member
The Techron (w/PEA) is very well known and proven as a FI system cleaner, I also believe there are other threads here about many who use Techron every oil change as a matter of course. If you're having minor FI-based issues (rough idle, hesitation on accel) you can safely run a 'double-dose' for a clean out (I've done so many times, on a half dozen other 2008+ vehicles with good to excellent results). Unfortunately I have no information about the BG 44K, but if it contains PEA in similar concentrations to Techron then it should be just as useful.
All of that said, $60 for a 6-pack of 20oz bottles is a good deal, I pay around $13-15 a bottle at local stores.
All of that said, $60 for a 6-pack of 20oz bottles is a good deal, I pay around $13-15 a bottle at local stores.
03-22-2018, 06:09 AM
#4
AudiWorld Super User
One can purchase high-PEA additives at W*mart for a couple of dollars.
Audi/VW dealers also sell a magic potion that can be poured into the gas tank.
In reality, if you are using Top Tier gasoline, we'd hope these things aren't necessary.
Audi/VW dealers also sell a magic potion that can be poured into the gas tank.
In reality, if you are using Top Tier gasoline, we'd hope these things aren't necessary.
03-22-2018, 08:11 AM
#7
AudiWorld Senior Member
Not necessary, sure, of course if good gas is used. That's why I only use a BG44K once or twice a year. Always on a long extended road trip where I'm driving for hours at a time.
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03-22-2018, 08:31 AM
#8
AudiWorld Super User
In the US, in the 1990's the EPA raised standards for gasoline so it all has more "detergents" and is less likely to form varnish and gums than before. The "TopTier" association, which is a voluntary membership/advertising group, is a recognition that a member's fuel meets higher standards for having detergents in it. So, as said, especially TopTier, you have less likelihood of the fuel system being gummed up.
As a separate issue you might want to check on the replacement time for the fuel filter, since those will pick up any crud that makes it into the tank, and the only way you would find out is if it clogged and reduced fuel flow. Not so crazy to change them every decade or so, as PM.(G)
An extra bottle of "cleaner" once a year certainly won't hurt the car. That's the kind of thing you can pick up when it is on sale, no urgency.
As a separate issue you might want to check on the replacement time for the fuel filter, since those will pick up any crud that makes it into the tank, and the only way you would find out is if it clogged and reduced fuel flow. Not so crazy to change them every decade or so, as PM.(G)
An extra bottle of "cleaner" once a year certainly won't hurt the car. That's the kind of thing you can pick up when it is on sale, no urgency.
03-22-2018, 10:59 AM
#9
AudiWorld Senior Member
In the US, in the 1990's the EPA raised standards for gasoline so it all has more "detergents" and is less likely to form varnish and gums than before. The "TopTier" association, which is a voluntary membership/advertising group, is a recognition that a member's fuel meets higher standards for having detergents in it. So, as said, especially TopTier, you have less likelihood of the fuel system being gummed up.
As a separate issue you might want to check on the replacement time for the fuel filter, since those will pick up any crud that makes it into the tank, and the only way you would find out is if it clogged and reduced fuel flow. Not so crazy to change them every decade or so, as PM.(G)
An extra bottle of "cleaner" once a year certainly won't hurt the car. That's the kind of thing you can pick up when it is on sale, no urgency.
As a separate issue you might want to check on the replacement time for the fuel filter, since those will pick up any crud that makes it into the tank, and the only way you would find out is if it clogged and reduced fuel flow. Not so crazy to change them every decade or so, as PM.(G)
An extra bottle of "cleaner" once a year certainly won't hurt the car. That's the kind of thing you can pick up when it is on sale, no urgency.
BTW, does anyone know when Audi calls for a fuel filter change on the Q/SQ5?
03-23-2018, 08:47 AM
#10
AudiWorld Member
