Techron in a new car

[turtile]

Is it worth using Techron in a new car? My assumption is that it should keep it clean when there are few or no deposits easier. I usually only use top tier gas anyway.

 

[LTC8K6]

Then you don't need any additives.

 

[uclaLabrat]

Does anyone think that stuff actually works anyway?

 

[996GT2]

Is it worth using Techron in a new car? My assumption is that it should keep it clean when there are few or no deposits easier. I usually only use top tier gas anyway.

Then you don't have any need for Techron, period, and especially not on a new car.

Does anyone think that stuff actually works anyway?

Techron concentrate does work. It's basically the same additive that you would find in Top Tier gas, but more concentrated. It's not snake oil unlike many of the other fuel additives out there.

If your car has been run on Top Tier gas its whole life, Techron is unlikely to provide any benefit for you. But for a car that has been neglected and run on cheap gas, Techron can clean the injectors and valves (on a non-DI engine). On a DI engine, Techron won't be able to clean the valves.

Remember to change your oil shortly after using Techron, as the contaminants it "cleans up" will end up in teh oil. The best time to use Techron is on the last tank of gas before an oil change.

 

[razel]

Carbon build up will happen, like plaque on your teeth. Daily brushing, like using good gas will minimize it, but whenever you go to your dentist they still will scrape here and there, so the need for Techron as preventative maintenance. Too bad there isn't a liquid version of plaque scraping.

Chevron has updated Techron the past 5 years. Techron's magic is PEA. Gumout Regane is PEA and is a better value than Techron.

 

[nerp]

On a new car, it's a waste of money and does nothing for you. On an older car, it can help clear out carbon buildup. But the best thing to prevent carbon is to drive it a good sitrance regularly and avoid short trips. That is what kills oil and leads to premature engine wear. The cars that go 500,000 miles on an engine typically are cars that get driven thousands of miles a month.

 

[BUTCH1]

On a new car, it's a waste of money and does nothing for you. On an older car, it can help clear out carbon buildup. But the best thing to prevent carbon is to drive it a good sitrance regularly and avoid short trips. That is what kills oil and leads to premature engine wear. The cars that go 500,000 miles on an engine typically are cars that get driven thousands of miles a month.

What sucks for me is my job is only 2.3 miles from home, saves a lot of gas but I know it's bad for the engine. Usually 2-3X a week I'll let it run@ 2K RPM in the driveway for 10-15 minutes.

 

[razel]

Usually 2-3X a week I'll let it run@ 2K RPM in the driveway for 10-15 minutes.

Not a good idea. Since your commute is so short instead of wasting gas at 2k RPM take it for an occasional scenic route home on the highway after work. Instead of going to your nearby market, go to a farther one that requires highway driving. Your car will appreciate getting a chance to stretch it's legs.

 

[LTC8K6]

What sucks for me is my job is only 2.3 miles from home, saves a lot of gas but I know it's bad for the engine. Usually 2-3X a week I'll let it run@ 2K RPM in the driveway for 10-15 minutes.

Might overheat the cat(s) doing that.

 

[Phanuel]

If your commute is 2.3 miles, I'd suggest riding a bike. It'd probably take you the same amount of time and you'd save a ton of cold start/driving wear on your car.

 

[thomsbrain]

The cars that go 500,000 miles on an engine typically are cars that get driven thousands of miles a month.

Yup. If you want your car to last for all time, drive it all the time.

It helps me to think of an engine as having X number of cold starts available in its life time. What you do once it's warm is practically irrelevant in terms of life. I'm sure that's a gross oversimplification but it's probably closer to accurate than assuming mileage is the end-all, be-all indicator of wear.

 

[nerp]

Instead of idling for 15-20 mins in the driveway, drive those 15-20 minutes on a loop. Idling isn't really going to make up for the short trips, especially since your transmission and other items want to see some use, too, not just the engine.

 

[Vdubchaos]

Might as well buy a Tornado for HP gains.

I don't believe any of those addictive....

I also don't believe how "little mileage" is bad on your car.

We have been doing under 5000 miles a year on all of our cars past 15 years and have no engine issues....

 

[turtile]

So basically, it's pretty pointless unless I get bad gas?

 

[LTC8K6]

So basically, it's pretty pointless unless I get bad gas?

I put it this basic way, if your fuel injectors were dirty enough to need cleaning, you would know it.

And, if your fuel system was dirty, your injectors would be too, and you would know it.

Just stay with reputable brands of fuel.

If the injectors need cleaning, they should be cleaned from the port under the hood, not via the fuel tank.

I'm not a fan of flushing everything in the system towards the injectors.

 

[Vdubchaos]

So basically, it's pretty pointless unless I get bad gas?

Of course it's pointless. all of those Additives are bunch of BS.