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With the cost of fuel on the rise, thrifty drivers look to improve mpg with the use of fuel additives. But before using the all important dollars you earn on a product that supposedly helps you, make sure that this expenditure will actually help you get better gas mileage.

People hope the additive will provide better gas mileage, or extend the operational life of the engine. Some additives in some cases can indeed do one or both. However, these additives work by cleaning parts, such as fuel injectors and fuel lines, of excess deposited materials which are inhibiting the smooth flow of fuel. Proper maintenance of the vehicle, including periodically taking apart and cleaning the fuel injectors, renders unnecessary the addition of a cleaning agent to the fuel.

For a vast majority of passenger vehicles, using premium fuel with high octane ratings will not result or yield improvement in fuel efficiency. Small engines such boating engines, those classified as highly specialized engines and older engines with "pinging" problems could benefit from high octane fuels. Gasoline sold in highly developed or industrialized countries contain additives. Premium gasoline marketed in these countries has more additives than regular gasoline.

If you have not taken good care of the car, it is especially important to use a fuel additive that is made to remedy problems of neglect such as a clogged fuel injector. It may be necessary to use an absorbent fuel additive, at least for the short term, in order to clear water from the fuel line or the fuel tank. You may also find it advantageous to try a fuel additive in cars where the maintenance history is not known.

With these specific exceptions, fuel additives are usually not needed. Most gasoline already contains similar additives, and more of these additives will not help your engine get better gas mileage. In addition, high levels of additives will cost you money and damage the environment. If you are not sure whether you should use a fuel additive or not, consult your local mechanic and get his opinion.

You need to carefully follow instructions if and when you decide to use fuel additives. The additive may or may not float in gasoline, so you may need to pour it into your gas tank when it is empty or when it is full. If you use the additive improperly, then it won't work as well.

As gas prices rise, more people are turning to products which claim to inprove mpg, such as many fuel additives. Before dumping even more money into a bottle of fuel additive, consider if the product is really necessary, or even helpful for obtaining better gas mileage. People hope the additive will provide improved gas mileage, or extend the operational life of the engine. Some additives in some cases can indeed do one or both. However, proper maintenance of the vehicle, including periodically taking apart and cleaning the fuel injectors, renders unnecessary the addition of a cleaning agent to the fuel.