Modern fuel injection systems may be far superior to old-timey carburetion in lots of ways, but they aren’t without their maintenance demands. For example, carbon and other deposits can build up over time on injectors, which can restrict fuel flow and prevent optimal atomization, affecting overall performance and fuel economy. This is particularly true when a car sits inactive for extended periods of time. Like, say, when there’s a global pandemic going on and you might not be commuting as often.
Newer vehicles featuring direct-injection systems raise even more concerns. That’s because direct-injection systems spray fuel directly into the chamber, whereas conventional port injection sprays fuel directly into the intake valve, which helps keeps the valves clean. If ignored, these deposits can gunk up injectors and inhibit flow, which in the long term, can cause excess wear and tear on your fuel system and engine, resulting in costly repairs.
Thankfully, quality fuel injector cleaners exist to prevent them from getting to that stage. These cleaners help by dissolving gunk, cleaning fuel lines and injector nozzles—all for just a few bucks a bottle (prices vary and some are very inexpensive).
The formulations of some fuel injector cleaners vary, though most at a minimum include detergents, including PEA (Polyetheramine), the leading active ingredient that helps clean and clear away these harmful deposits and prevent clogging. Others feature lubricants for the upper piston rings on the cylinders that help seal the combustion chamber.
While the market for fuel system cleaners is vast and abundant, we’ve created a very short list of some of the top fuel injector cleaners you can buy. It’s important to remember that some are for gasoline engines only, others are just for diesel and a few will work with both. It’s always a good idea to fully read the instructions.
