ryany79

The Kroger (a supermarket, if you're not familiar) next to my house has one of those annoying fuel additive machines at every pump. (where a voice and TV screen come on and try to sell you fuel additive that mixes with the gas as you pump). Anywho...I was wondering what is the overall consensus when it comes to fuel additives when it comes to our cars? I had a couple 5th generation maximas and I can remember some of the guys on Maxima.org saying that they can do more harm than good. My car has 73K miles and was just wondering if the fuel additive is worth doing every now and then.

Thanks!

LukeaTron

What kind of additives? Like detergents to clear out the gunk and stuff? If that's the case, I'd just go with the tried and tested SeaFoam. If it's that octane boosting junk, forget about it.

I guess there's not really anything I'd like to have mixed into my gas at the pump. I bet they're gouging you for it too.

Mskierki

Can you take a picture of this next time you are at the fuel station? I am just interested in seeing this product. I have never heard of this before.

TheDukeZip

what part of the country is this?

MMsTSX

I'm in Tennessee.
There's plenty of Krogers around here.
This is not limited to Kroger though.
I go to get gas at Marathon I think, and they have it too.
Additech or something.

Lots of places have this stuff, it's like injector cleaner, and
fuel treatment stuff. If I have my camera on me next time I go
I'll take a picture of the panel.

Yeah, it's annoying...

You can choose between a few different options as to what you want.

Use it or no? Not sure. Maybe after your car has some years on it...

PACman

Sounds like a waste of money.

Chain gas stations, like Chevron, Shell, 76 (conoco-phillips), already have detergents & additives. Why Kroger, a supermarket, to get gas?

TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is the premier standard for gasoline performance. Six of the world's top automakers, BMW, General Motors, Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen and Audi.

TOP TIER Gasoline Retailers:

QuikTrip
Chevron
Texaco
MFA Oil Co.
Conoco
Phillips 66
76
Entec Stations
Shell
The Somerset Refinery, Inc.
Kwik Trip / Kwik Star
Aloha Petroleum
Tri-Par Oil Co.
Turkey Hill Minit Markets
Mileage Stations

Mskierki

Top Tier Gas is a marketing ploy. I have seen nothing that indicates Honda recommends using fuels tested to their "standard." The website is a joke and has no results or even the indications of legit research conducted.

PACman

Please see what's circled in red.



Here's a closer pic

TS_eXpeed

I have plenty of Kroger grocery stores around where I am, but have never seen the additive machine. Um....I would only recommend it if you start to feel your car becoming sluggish on starts (and you know its not your battery) and it doesn't quite have the giddy-up it used to. But honestly, if I noticed that, I would rather go and buy one of those pint/quart things (not sure how big they are exactly) from a place like AutoZone. Those additives would be the best you could find. I'd be kind of skeptical about what you are really paying extra for when it's just "added in" already. Shady territory if you ask me.

PACman

This information is directly from Acura Owner Link.


Are some gasolines better than others? What is "Top Tier Detergent Gasoline"?

In general, Acura recommends that you buy gasoline from high-volume, major name-brand stations.

To prevent the build up of deposits inside your engine and fuel system, it is important to choose fuels that contain effective detergent additives. The detergency of some US gasolines is insufficient to provide protection from such deposits. Acura recommends the use of "Top Tier Detergent Gasolines," where available. Gasoline brands with this designation meet new, voluntary standards and have demonstrated their ability to keep engines clean through a series of demanding tests. Significantly, Top Tier Detergent Gasoline does not contain MMT, a metallic additive that creates deposits in your engine and exhaust system; (see the MMT explanation below). Fuel brands that have achieved the Top Tier Detergent Gasoline designation can be identified through their marketing campaigns, and/or by fueling station signage.

Mskierki

OK, I stand corrected Honda and Acura do recommend top tier gas.

I still believe that it is a marketing ploy.

ryany79

This is suburban Atlanta. The major big box retailers (kroger, Wal-Mart, etc.) are all installing gas stations in the parking lots of their stores wherever the zoning regulations allow. It is actually quite annoying as they are trying to push the small gas stations out of business.

I only go there when I have to, even if the price is better.

Reach

1. No
2. Marketing
3. Moved

DuckDodgers

Actually the answer is no additive is "needed". All gasoline sold in the US for automotive use is required to have a certain detergent and additive package. However, this package is a minimum and really not sufficent. I recommend regular use of a good additive, such as Red Line or Techron...about every three to nine months is the usual range suggested.

dololie

I got gas in my Explorer last week at Kroger. When I got my receit it has an extra charge off $8.99 plus .72 tax. I went and ask what the charge was. They said it was an additive. It had been on the second screen. I have never seen this before. They said they had just implemented it that day and gave me a refund. I have to say I am getting more miles per gallon. But, not enough to pay $9.71 extra. I will go to advance and buy it cheaper.

Simba91102

Agreed, it's all snake oil.

deadlyklappy12887

im sorry you feel this way but i beg to differ. i put a bottle of chevron techron into my tank once a year and the car definately seems to love me for it afterwards.

about me: 7 year tsx owner, car at 113k miles, planning on putting supercharger on it.

summary: i can appreciate/feel the performance benefits from my fuel cleaner