We don’t have to be car aficionados to understand what a fuel injector is. As plain as it is, this piece is responsible for introducing fuel into the combustion chamber. Yes, that’s how important it is. It tells how efficient your fuel consumption is. It also tells how much speed you can squeeze out of your engine. The best fuel injector cleaner can help maintain excellent performance and prevent premature wear and tear damage to your engine.
These injectors are subject to a tremendous beating. Even before you had your car, the injectors went to the testing facility to have a beating for breaking it in and quality control.
Have you ever asked your fuel injector if they are fine? I bet no one does that! But when something is wrong with it, we can feel it in the performance of the engine. We would know when something is off. We know when the throttle does not respond well. We know if the idle is too rough.
The good thing is there are manufacturers of fuel injector cleaners that carefully studies and improves their formulation to help you get rid of gunk inside your engine and maintain the performance of the fuel injectors at pristine levels.
Best Fuel Injector Cleaners 2022
Here are a few of the best fuel injectors out in the market that competes for the top spot. We’ll go into additional details about individual features, pros and cons below.
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Lucas Oils Products Inc. is an automobile oil, lubricants, and additive distributor founded by Forrest and Charlotte in 1989. They dreamed of being the best and most reliable distributor of oil and other lubricant needs of automotive vehicles. Today, they have 270 formulations retailing at over 40 countries worldwide.
PRODUCT DETAILS
Lucas’s fuel treatment is labelled and marketed as Upper Cylinder Lubricant. Lucas clearly claims that this fuel additive helps dissolve gunk and carbon deposits on the fuel injector. This item works both for gasoline and diesel engines. Lucas Oils formulated this fuel additive to dissolve deposits on carburettors and fuel injectors without expensive services. To make sure that this product does no damage to your engine, this additive is formulated without extenders and solvent.
INDICATION
This additive can help address pinging and engine stalling. With its thoroughly researched formulation, this product helps bring back power to your vehicle by cleaning the injectors. This restores the optimal spray of the injectors to each cycle of the piston. It also improves the combustion of your fuel to give you more miles per gallon.
CLAIMS
Lucas Oils Products Inc. is confident in claiming that their fuel injector cleaner fuel additive acts just like a tune-up. It does the following things to your engine:
• Lubricates the fuel system from intake to the combustion chamber.
• Dissolves and removes carbon deposits in the fuel injectors
• Keeps the engine clean and prevents accumulation of carbon deposits.
DIRECTIONS
For best results, Lucas Oils suggests using 4oz of this additive for every 10 gallons of diesel or gasoline.
Things We Liked
- This additive does not contain a solvent that may corrode the fuel path
- This injector cleaner is inexpensive and can increase your MPG
- In the long run, this can help you reduce maintenance costs
- Gives your vehicle a smoother idle
Things We Didn’t Like
- The solution is a little thick and can take quite a while to get mixed thoroughly
- Some users found that this is not the best additive for diesel engines
Royal purple manufactures a wide range of high-quality lubricants and additives for all types of automotive engines. John Williams, the founding father of Royal Purple, set up this company in 1986 and, since then, made one of the best synthetic motor oils for diesel and gasoline engines. With their success in engine oils, they expanded their venture to other lubricants and additives.
PRODUCT DETAILS
This Fuel Atomizer by Royal purple was formulated to increase savings by making sure that your engine is working in top condition. Over the years, gunk and carbon deposits can clog or adhere to pipes that impede the flow of fuel. This may result in inefficient or incomplete fuel burn. By correcting the spray of the fuel injector and unclogging pipes, you get a clean burn and smooth ride that could translate to future maintenance cost savings.
INDICATION
This fuel additive addresses the gunk attached on the fuel injectors and clears out blockages to maximize engine performance. This injector cleaner improves and eventually restore the spray pattern of injectors for equal and better burn. This concentrated fuel treatment is formulated with polyether amine (PEA) detergent that dissolves carbon deposits on the fuel system.
CLAIMS
Royal purple formulated this additive to make sure to address the following issues and give you better performance by doing the following:
• Improves fuel economy and efficiency.
• Dissolves gunk and carbon deposits on the fuel injectors.
• Restores lost horsepower.
• Greatly improves throttle responsiveness.
DIRECTIONS
The minimum recommended ratio of the manufacturer is 6oz for every 20 gallons. For best results and maximum performance, you may add up to a maximum of 6oz for every 10 gallons.
Things We Liked
- Get more mileage and power with every gallon of fuel
- Prevents freezing of fuel
- Clears out blockages on fuel injectors to restore fuel spraying pattern to normal
Things We Didn’t Like
- This additive has a steep price tag
Liqui Moly is a German brand of oil and lubricants that was founded on 1957. This brand is one of the most trusted oil manufacturing company in Germany. Since their founding, they have formulated over 4000 types of oil and lubricants for motorized vehicles. They are most known for their engine oil formula that contains MoS2 that greatly enhances motor oil to operate in harsh conditions. Today, this brand is getting notable attention worldwide and retails at over a hundred countries worldwide.
PRODUCT DETAILS
Lucas’s fuel treatment is labelled and marketed as Upper Cylinder Lubricant. Lucas clearly claims that this fuel additive helps dissolve gunk and carbon deposits on the fuel injector. This item works both for gasoline and diesel engines. Lucas Oils formulated this fuel additive to dissolve deposits on carburettors and fuel injectors without expensive services. To make sure that this product does no damage to your engine, this additive is formulated without extenders and solvent.
NDICATION
Jectron is intended to clean and remove gunk and carbon deposits on the fuel injectors of gasoline engines. It can also be used to correct rough idling and improve throttle response for better driving experience. Using it consistently every fill can solve stalling and hard starting problems. It’s like fine tuning your engine without the expensive service.
CLAIMS
Liqui Moly takes pride in their top-notch quality control and assurance team to make sure that every product that comes out of their factory is high-quality. They claim that Jectron does the following to your engine:
• Cleans and unclogs injector.
• Gives your engine a cleaner burn.
• Increases miles per gallon.
• Smoothens idle.
• Fixes ignition issues.
DIRECTIONS
According to the manufacturer, a 300ml (10 oz) container can be mixed to 70L (18.5 gallons) for quick results. They recommend using this product every for every 2000km (1250mi) for gasoline engines.
Things We Liked
- Cleans and removes debris from the fuel path to decrease friction loss in the delivery of fuel
- Dissolves carbon deposits on the fuel injector for even fuel spray
- Gives your engine better idling and throttle response
Things We Didn’t Like
- There are reviews telling that they noticed no difference from adding this to a full tank of gasoline
- This product is a little difficult to find
- Does not contain PEA
Rockford Fosgate is a trusted name in car stereos, and this P2 12-inch subwoofer has a lot to offer. The dual-voice-coil has paper cones reinforced with Kevlar fiber for bass you can feel in your bones. Rockford Fosgate uses unique VAST technology to create a 25% increase in the surface cone. Also includes a diamond-cut cast aluminum ring.
PRODUCT DETAILS
STP Fuel Injector Cleaner is a cocktail of proven effective detergent that effectively cleans the engine’s fuel system without corroding pipes and everything that it comes in contact with. Years of using your motor vehicle without employing injector cleaners will lead to deposit build-up that can lower the performance of your vehicle. This fuel additive can help restore the lost power from clogging and dirty fuel injectors.
INDICATION
This additive can help restore lost horsepower due to clogging and carbon deposits on fuel injectors that halt efficient delivery fuel. By cleaning the pipes where the fuel passes and the unclogging injectors, your engine will be much easier to start and will have a cleaner emission. Essentially, you will improve the performance and get a better response from your vehicle.
CLAIMS
• Effectively getting rid of blockages will lead to better engine performance.
• Easier engine start.
• Lower emission of harmful chemicals.
DIRECTIONS
To experience the claims of this fuel additive, mix a 5.25 oz bottle to 20 gallons.
Things We Liked
- Removes dirt, gunk, debris, and carbon deposits on your engine to facilitate faster delivery and even spray of fuel to your combustion chamber
- Better acceleration and improved idling
- Helps save fuel by optimizing consumption
Things We Didn’t Like
- Few users expressed dissatisfaction and found no improvement in the MPG while using it
ACDelco is a leader in manufacturing GM Original Automotive Equipment for automotive. They have over 90,000 different replacement parts that can be found across the globe. Aside from being one of the best third-party manufacturers of car parts, ACDelco also manufactures oil, lubricants, and other additives for fuel and engine oil.
PRODUCT DETAILS
ACDelco believes that even low-quality fuels can be kicked up a notch by using their Fuel Injector and Upper Engine Cleaner. You don’t need to go all the way to a service center so that you could have a tune-up. This small cleaner contains powerful detergents that can remove gunk and carbon deposits inside your engine to enhance fuel delivery. This improvement leads to better engine performance and more miles to the gallon.
INDICATION
This product is best used at every change the oil to keep your diesel engine performing at its peak levels. This treatment will help remove carbon deposits and gunk to improve throttle response and idle.
CLAIMS
This product takes pride on its formulation and promises to:
• Take away deposits left by cheap and inferior quality fuel.
• Using this cleaner can help eliminate knocking, pinging, and stalling.
DIRECTIONS
This product is not a fuel additive and is not meant to be mixed with the fuel in the tank. This requires some knowledge about diesel engine maintenance and troubleshooting. Watching a few videos online can help you throughout the entire process. But be warned, if you are not confident in doing this, have a professional do it for you.
You will need at least a fuel line disconnector, fuel lines, clamps, a spare gallon, and this product. This whole process can be done in less than an hour.
Things We Liked
- Cleans fuel lines, injectors, and the path where the fuel passes that results to cleaner and more efficient burn
- Get instant results after doing the clean-up
Things We Didn’t Like
- This cleaner involves a tedious process than just mixing additives
- It takes a lot more time and effort from you to complete the cleaning process
Red Line is a world-famous manufacturer of synthetic oil established in 1979. With almost 40 years of experience, they have innovated and improved the product range they offer. To compete with the other top brands in the industry, Red Line makes sure that they are always up to date, if not ahead of the competition. With the rapidly evolving engine technology, they do their very best to provide the varying needs of different motorized vehicles.
PRODUCT DETAILS
Red Line’s Complete SI-1 Fuel System Cleaner is a fuel additive designed to withstand extreme heat and extreme cold. The detergent it contains help clear out the fuel system of your vehicle. This product helps clean and unclog carburettor, combustion chamber, valves, and fuel injectors to enhance the performance of your motor vehicle and maintain its peak performance.
INDICATION
This additive best works for older models of cars that use carburettors. It helps improve engine performance and add more miles to the gallon by making fuel consumption efficient.
CLAIMS
This company proudly claims that they have the best formula when it comes to fuel additives. They claim that this additive
• Enhance engine performance.
• Remove all the debris and carbon deposits inside your engine to restore top performance.
DIRECTIONS
The manufacturer recommends mixing one 15 ounce bottle to a tank full of fuel. This additive is indicated for gasoline engines only.
Things We Liked
- This additive can be continually used for unparalleled performance
- Using this additive will bring life to old and neglected cars.
The Cons
Things We Didn’t Like
- Does not add more mileage to the gallon
Chevron Lubricants has over 100 years of its portfolio and have formulated and manufactured thousands of different products. Today, the company name is almost synonymous with quality. With their dedicated team of scientists, they put engines to the test and find ways to delay and reverse engine wear. Their fuel additives are regarded to be the best in the market that maximizes and restores engine performance while keeping it clean.
PRODUCT DETAILS
Chevron Techron is a concentrated fuel system cleaner that removes clogs and deposits that adhered to pipes, valves, and chambers. By keeping the channel where fuel passes, the delivery system is enhanced and results to higher engine performance and more horsepower. This also translates to more mileage and more fuel savings.
INDICATION
This additive is formulated for gasoline engines and can be used to keep the fuel injectors and the fuel system clean. Years of usage with minimal or no maintenance can lead to gunk and carbon deposit build up on the tips of fuel injectors.
CLAIMS
Mixing this additive will give you a smoother ride and get rid of rough engine idle. It also instantly improves throttle response with a single use. This product helps address hard starting engines and improves ignition even during the cold weather.
DIRECTIONS
The manufacturer advises using this additive at every oil change to enhance performance. Use a 20oz bottle for every tank full of gasoline for best performance.
Things We Liked
- This additive is manufactured by a century-old company that is trusted and well known for the quality of products they make
- This product increases fuel efficiency while improving power
- This fuel additive facilitates easy engine ignition even in cold weathers
Things We Didn’t Like
- This top quality product is expensive than the most similarly advertised product
Fuel Injector Cleaners Buyer's Guide
Do Fuel Injector Cleaners Really Work?
First and foremost, it’s not enough that you’d look at the cleanliness of your car from an outside angle. The insides matter too.
Clogged fuel injectors can be a reason for diminished car performance, like poor acceleration, stalling, decreased gas mileage and high emission levels, so you can be sure that if any of these signs show up, your fuel injector needs some love.
These are valves that pressurize fuel and pump it through an aperture, releasing the fuel as a cone-shaped spray over the engine to help in attaining that full engine performance. Carbon and material deposits from the burning fuel soon build up in the injectors over time, the distance covered in its use, and the type of gasoline you expand on. When the clog comes about, you have to do one of two things: have the injector pulled out so that a machine can clean it (it’s thorough but at the same time, expensive), or use fuel injector cleaners.
To the skeptics, science can prove to you that these cleaners are genuine. The video states that these materials contain chemical polybutene amine (PBA) that contribute to the breakdown of bonds of carbon deposits trapped in the fuel injectors, which will then leave the exhaust valves once they solubilize with the gasoline.
A unique aspect of this substance is that it remains intact at high temperatures so it can do its work on the deposit breakdown unhindered. Isopropyl alcohol is also a key ingredient, as it helps prevent water mixed in the gasoline from freezing, and solubilizes it so it can harmlessly exit through the exhaust as well.
In addition to the above stated, more there are cleaning solutions provided for your car. This includes lowering of engine emission, cleaning the combustion chambers, and reduce engine knocking and pinging (thanks to PBA and another chemical, the polyether amine or PEA). The Sulfur deposits are also removed from the gas gauge sensors so that a malfunction is prevented in that area.
Why You Need The Fuel Injector Cleaner
If your old man gave you old car, or if you bought a vintage car, there is a great chance you will be facing some engine issues. Any motorized vehicle is subject to wear and tear. So you will eventually need to have some form of a maintenance plan to keep your engine performance high.
It’s only recently that people are getting used to mixing fuel additives to unclog and clean fuel injectors and the fuel system. Old engines may have already accumulated years’ worth of carbon deposit that greatly affects performance.
Fuel additives can greatly enhance the performance of old cars and optimize the newer generations. Your usual fuel additive helps get rid of carbon deposits on pipes, valves, fuel injectors and combustion chambers. Some are formulated to bind with water. Water mixed with fuel is a problem during winter as they tend to get frozen. Some additives are formulated to prevent water from freezing and facilitate its expulsion from the engine system to prevent it from causing rust.
Here are some of the benefits you can get from using fuel additives:
By eliminating deposits on the pipe and fuel injectors, the flow of fuel from the intake to the combustion chamber is optimized. The spray of the injector gets more accurate. This alone can snowball to other great benefits.
2. Optimal fuel combustion
When your injector introduces a consistent spray of atomized fuel, your engine will have a perfect rotation and makes sure that every small part works in perfect timing with all the other car components.
3. Better mileage
When your combustion chamber is burning the right amount of fuel in the right timing, the rotation of the engine becomes more efficient. This gives your automobile more power and more mileage with every drop of fuel you burn.
4. Smoother Idle
The perfect spray of your injector makes sure that every cycle of the piston gives the same power. The precise timing and rotation of the pistons make sure that your engine stays in place without unnecessary engine rock.
5. Better throttle response
Inevitably, when your engine is burning fuel with precise timing and equal power, every step on the throttle efficiently delivers more power and no delay.
6. Decrease carbon deposits and gunk in your engine
Using additives with concentrated detergents makes sure that there will be no buildup of carbon and gunk inside your engine that can potentially impair engine performance.
Factors to consider before making that valid cleaner purchase.
You’re probably enticed to get your hands on a fuel injector cleaner now, especially if you can see the symptoms of a clogged injector ruining the image of your beloved car. Still, you can’t just go out there without thinking things through. There are factors to consider before making that valid cleaner purchase.
The first is your car’s stability
Sometimes, a car may be too old and too worn down that no amount of liquid cleaner can help its case. Or, a car that is new and still decent won’t find any improvement with a cleaner because there is little to fix in the first place. The car owner has to be aware of his or her car specs and condition to know if a cleaner can or can’t be applied to it.
Second is finding the best cleaning solution
Technically, fuel injector cleaners are sold cheap and most of these products are safe to use, but inferior goods are often slipped into the market without being noticed by the common eye. As a result, you might find yourself victimized into buying a cleaner you thought would work well, but wouldn’t work at all despite the prints and selling points. To be on the safe side, the best cleaners you can buy are the premium ones. Apart from having their merchandise reviewed continually, they are the ones best trusted by the public and are more than willing to keep things that way.
Above list narrows down on the top-rated fuel injector cleaners, along with their perks and benefits. It’s highly suggestible to base from the list, but check to see if they both pin their fancy on a common product. It just goes to show that the two groups recognize that cleaning solution as exceptional.
If you already went your way into buying your preferred cleaner, you might as well get the cleaning started. The Video can give you a head start on how that’s done.
Basically, you remove the gas cap from the car, then measure the appropriate amount of the fluid to be poured into the gas tank. It’s recommended to do this when the gas tank is nearly empty so that you can seamlessly pour the solution into the tank.
Afterward, fill the tank up with gas as you usually do. The two liquids will mix from that point and the cleaning process will be achieved. As for a time frame to keep yourself in check for when you are going to use the cleaning agent, it’s best to clean the fuel injector at least every 36 months, or 45,000 miles traveled.
All in all, fuel injector cleaners are a big help for a car to keep running and trouble-free. Using them will undoubtedly bring a better result in one’s car maintenance, but the utilization will still depend on the vehicle owner. It’ll all go down to whether or not the person is willing to spend on a small thing that’ll keep your car engines purring for more.
How to Clean Fuel Injectors
The fuel injectors need to be cleaned from time to time. There is a surprisingly simple step-by-step process to use the fuel injector cleaner to clean the injectors.
Conclusion
Choosing the best injector cleaner can be a little difficult. With the wide range of selection and different brands you can find on the market, it only gets more frustrating and hard to choose which is the right one for you.
Among the seven products we have here, Chevron Techron’s Fuel System Cleaner is the best fuel injector cleaner we could recommend. It’s efficacy in maximizing power, restoring torque, and keeping the engine clean trumps all its other competitors. It may come a little pricey, but it trumps all the other additives in the market.
If you think we have missed some products, please do tell us in the comments below. We would be delighted to check it out and see how it competes with the other brands. Feel free to share this page and don't hesitate to ask questions below!
Simon graduated with a Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Degree. He has over 20 years of servicing experience in both Japanese and German car dealerships. He now acts as a freelance mechanic’s instructor for local schools.
Hi,
I am completely agree that fuel injector cleaner plays a vital role in vehicle’s life.I like this post you have shared with us.I will share it with my friends too.Please share more and more posts in future too.
Thank You so much .