Best Fuel Additives: Maximize Your Fuel Efficiency with These Top Picks

For a high-quality fuel additive, consider the LucasLUC10013 Fuel Treatment, formulated for both gas and diesel engines, or the Red Line Complete Fuel System Cleaner, which contributes to 100 percent fuel system efficiency after the first clean.

The list above is great at a glance for those who know what they're after. Others might not find it so useful because they don't know exactly what they need. That's all right. This section of the buying guide will help you decide which fuel additive you need with just a few tips. 

Gas treatments are formulated with polyisobutene, and for that reason are cheap and widely available. They help improve the quality of gas by getting rid of harmful carbon deposits for cleaner emissions and breaking down water particles that can dilute the fuel. 

Fuel injector cleaners are an upgrade from gas treatments since they contain polyetheramine (PEA), which is one of the strongest cleaning agents. It also cleans more parts in comparison including the direct fuel injectors. The compound also removes clogs and carbon buildup in other parts of the fuel system to further improve overall health of the system. 

You can expect the quality of fuel to diminish over time if your vehicle is left idle for a season or if the fuel is in storage. Fuel stabilizers work to maintain the quality of the fuel by absorbing water and slowing down oxidation and chemical breakdown of the fuel. It also keeps fuel fresh for a relatively long time if it's in storage. 

While octane boosters aren’t formulated with the strongest cleaning agents, they do a good job of increasing the octane level in the fuel which can help clear out some carbon. Octane boosters are used to effectively raise octane levels of pump fuel. This is necessary with some high-performance builds that require higher octane levels due to a number of factors, such as high boost levels or high compression. Not all engines need octane boosters, and running one in an engine that does not need it can have adverse effects. It is important to study your application specifically to determine if you need this additive. 

Some manufacturers make fuel additives that are specific to either diesel or gas engines. You can also find a multifunctional product that works for both. It’s important that you choose a product that’s compatible with your engine’s fuel to avoid corrosive chemical reactions, and damaged rubber seals that will result in engine failure. Also, consult your owner’s manual on what types of formulations or ingredients you should avoid for your engine. 

Fuel additives come in different sizes from 11-ounce bottles to large 5-gallon jars. If you don’t like to hoard car care products in your garage, you can go for a small bottle with just the right amount to treat your engine. However, there’s an upside to buying larger quantities: You can treat multiple vehicles or save money in the long run if it comes with a reasonable price tag. 

Prioritize fuel additives that have an EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) label, meaning that they comply with environmental regulations. Such a product typically works by dissolving carbon deposits in the fuel to reduce exhaust smoke production and harmful carbon emissions into the atmosphere. 

​​Since such a broad range of different products qualify as fuel additives, it's hard to say an exact price you can expect to pay. Several factors come into consideration when determining the cost of a product. The type of additive, branding and the amount are three major factors that can dramatically change the sticker price. However, most small bottles will list for $30 or less. Buying a case of several small bottles or containers with more of an additive can easily drive the price up, exceeding $100 in some instances.