What are Fuel Additives?
Fuel additives are a general term for products used by adding them to fuels such as gasoline and diesel.
“What changes if I add a fuel additive?”
“Does it really work?”
“I often see the ingredient PEA, what is it?”
“Which fuel additive should I choose?”
Many people probably have these questions.
In fact, not all fuel additives are made for the same purpose.
Typical examples include "cleaning-type" fuel additives, which remove dirt accumulated inside the engine and in the fuel system.
On the other hand, there are also fuel additives that focus on combustion itself.
This article will explain everything from the basics of fuel additives to their effects, types, usage, precautions, and the differences between common PEA-based fuel additives and "Gelhorn 3+", in a way that is easy for beginners to understand.
What Effects Do Fuel Additives Have?
The expected roles of fuel additives vary depending on the product.
The typical ones are as follows:
Cleaning the Fuel System and Combustion Chambers
When a car is used, dirt such as carbon and deposits may accumulate in the injectors, intake valves, and combustion chambers.
Cleaning-type fuel additives aim to act on such dirt and maintain or restore the engine's original condition.
KURE explains that their fuel additives containing high-purity PEA clean dirt accumulated in injectors, intake valves, and combustion chambers. WAKO'S Fuel One is also positioned as a "cleaning-type fuel additive" that contains PEA and IVD detergent.
Maintaining Original Engine Performance
If the fuel system or combustion chambers deteriorate, it can affect fuel injection and combustion conditions.
Therefore, some products aim to maintain the engine's original performance by removing dirt and restoring it to good condition.
Suppressing Fuel Degradation and Corrosion
Some fuel additives not only clean but also have multiple functions, such as preventing fuel oxidation and protecting fuel tanks and fuel systems from rust.
In other words, it is important to check the purpose of the product rather than judging it solely by the name "fuel additive."
What is PEA? Why is it Often Used in Fuel Additives?
When researching fuel additives, the term "PEA" is often encountered.
PEA is an abbreviation for "Polyetheramine."
Representative cleaning-type fuel additives currently on the market also contain PEA and are used to remove dirt accumulated in combustion chambers, valves, injectors, and other components.
Therefore,
"Fuel additive = PEA"
Some people might have this image.
However, not all fuel additives use PEA.
This is an important point when choosing a fuel additive.
Fuel Additives Have Significantly Different Approaches
When understanding fuel additives,
"What is in it?"
But also,
"What is the product designed to address?"
It is important to look at.
For example, representative cleaning-type additives using PEA have the following approach:
Addresses dirt and deposits
↓
Cleans the fuel system and combustion chambers
↓
Brings the engine closer to its original state
This is one way of thinking.
On the other hand, there are also fuel additives that focus on combustion itself.
One of the representative ideas for this is "Gelhorn 3+."
What is Gelhorn 3+?
Gelhorn 3+ is a fuel additive offered by Landmaster.
A major feature is that it uses "Asai Organic Germanium for Fuel."
According to official information, Gelhorn 3+ is introduced as a fuel additive containing Asai Germanium with alcohol as a solvent.
Furthermore, the manufacturer states that Asai Germanium for fuel is supplied only to the Gelhorn series.
In other words, Gelhorn 3+ differs from typical PEA-centric cleaning-type fuel additives not only in its ingredients but also in its development philosophy.
What's the Difference Between PEA-based Additives and Gelhorn 3+?
The key to understanding the difference lies in "cleaning" and "combustion."
PEA-based Cleaning Fuel Additives
In representative cleaning-type fuel additives formulated with PEA,
Cleaning of injectors
Cleaning of intake valves
Removal of dirt accumulated in the combustion chambers
Deposit countermeasures
These are explained as the main roles.
Simply put,
"Approaching attached dirt"
This is the way of thinking.
Gelhorn 3+
On the other hand, Gelhorn 3+ uses Asai Organic Germanium for fuel, and the manufacturer describes it as a product focused on promoting combustion.
In other words,
PEA-based additives take a "cleaning" approach.
Gelhorn 3+ takes a "combustion" approach.
This distinction makes it easier to understand.
It's not a simple comparison of which is superior or inferior.
Their purposes are different.
Why Focus on "Combustion"?
An engine generates power by taking in fuel and air and combusting them.
In other words, "how to burn fuel" is a very important point for automobiles.
Gelhorn 3+ was developed focusing on this combustion aspect.
The manufacturer explains it as a product aiming for changes in:
Torque and power
Fuel efficiency
Engine vibration and sound
Exhaust gas
Starting performance
through combustion promotion.
However, actual perceptions and fuel efficiency vary depending on the car model, engine condition, driving environment, and driving style.
It is appropriate to consider it as an "option for optimizing combustion" rather than expecting the same changes in all vehicles to which it is added.
Is Gelhorn 3+ Only for Gasoline Cars?
Gelhorn 3+ is not exclusive to gasoline.
According to official manufacturer information, it can be used with:
Gasoline
Diesel
Kerosene
Therefore, it is introduced as a multi-purpose fuel additive that can be used not only in gasoline engines but also in diesel engines.
The manufacturer also explains that the "3+" in the product name comes from its compatibility with these three types of fuel: gasoline, diesel, and kerosene.
What are the Benefits of Fuel Additives?
The benefits of using fuel additives vary depending on the product you choose.
For example, cleaning-type additives primarily aim to address dirt accumulated in the fuel system and combustion chambers.
On the other hand, products focused on combustion, like Gelhorn 3+, take the approach of affecting the combustion state of the fuel currently in use.
What's important is,
"Just putting in a famous fuel additive"
Rather than,
"What is my purpose for using a fuel additive?"
To clarify this.
Are there any downsides or precautions for fuel additives?
Fuel additives do not become more effective simply by adding a lot of them.
Each product has a recommended usage amount and concentration.
For example, WAKO'S recommends one bottle of Fuel One for every 20-60L of fuel, and if it's less than 20L, they advise not to exceed 1%. KURE also specifies the usage amount for each product.
When using fuel additives,
Check compatible fuels
Adhere to the specified additive amount
Check product description
Check compatibility with other additives
These are the basics.
Also, if there are clear problems such as the engine warning light being on, abnormal noises, or extremely poor performance, it is crucial not to try to solve it with additives alone, but to consult a specialist or repair shop to determine the cause.
When should I add fuel additives?
This also varies depending on the product.
It is generally common to add it to the fuel tank before or during refueling, but please prioritize the proper usage and amount specified by each manufacturer.
"All fuel additives are used the same way."
This is not true.
Especially regarding concentration, it is important to follow the usage amount stated in the product description. Fuel additive manufacturers also highlight adhering to the appropriate concentration as a crucial point of use.
Are Fuel Additives Really Necessary?
Fuel additives are not absolutely necessary for all cars.
They are also not a substitute for basic maintenance such as regular inspections, engine oil changes, and tire pressure management.
However,
Concerned about fuel system contamination
Mileage is increasing
Want to maintain engine condition
Want to perform maintenance from a combustion perspective
If you have such goals, it becomes one of the options.
In that case, what's important is "choosing the right additive for your purpose."
How to Choose a Fuel Additive
When choosing a fuel additive, checking the following three points will make it easier:
1. What do you want to improve or maintain?
Is it cleaning the inside of the engine?
Is it protecting the fuel system?
Is it an approach to the combustion state?
First, clarify the purpose.
2. What ingredients are used?
It's important not only to look at the product category "fuel additive" but also at the ingredients it contains.
Some products use PEA for cleaning purposes, while others, like Gelhorn 3+, use Asai Organic Germanium for fuel.
3. Can it be used with your fuel/vehicle?
Is it gasoline-only?
Can it be used with diesel as well?
What is the usage amount?
Always confirm before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are fuel additives?
These are products added to fuels such as gasoline and diesel. Their purpose varies by product, including cleaning, rust prevention, fuel condition maintenance, and affecting combustion.
What is PEA?
PEA stands for Polyetheramine. It is used in typical cleaning-type fuel additives to address dirt accumulated in combustion chambers, valves, and injectors.
Will adding fuel additives improve fuel efficiency?
Fuel efficiency is not guaranteed to improve. It depends on various conditions such as vehicle condition, road conditions, driving style, and temperature. While some products claim fuel efficiency improvement as a purpose/effect, the results are not the same for all vehicles.
Do I need to add fuel additives every time?
It depends on the product. Some products are designed for continuous use, while others are for periodic maintenance. Please check the manufacturer's specified usage and frequency.
What is the difference between PEA-based additives and Gelhorn 3+?
Representative PEA-based additives aim to clean dirt accumulated in combustion chambers and injectors.
Gelhorn 3+ uses Asai Organic Germanium for fuel, and the main difference is its approach from the perspective of combustion promotion.
Is Asai Organic Germanium for Fuel used in other fuel additives?
According to Landmaster's official website, Asai Germanium for fuel is supplied only to the Gelhorn series.
Summary: Choose Fuel Additives Based on "What Purpose You Are Using Them For"
Fuel additives are products added to fuels like gasoline and diesel to help maintain the fuel system and engine condition.
However, not all fuel additives are the same.
Representative cleaning additives containing PEA are primarily based on the idea of:
"Removing dirt from inside the engine."
On the other hand, Gelhorn 3+ uses Asai Organic Germanium for fuel and was developed from the perspective of:
"How to burn fuel."
According to official manufacturer information, Asai Germanium for fuel is supplied only to the Gelhorn series.
That is why, when choosing a fuel additive, it is important not to judge solely by brand recognition or price.
"Do you want to clean?"
"Do you want to approach combustion itself?"
First, clarify your purpose.
Fuel additives are not all the same.
From the concept of cleaning to the concept of combustion.
For those who want to focus on combustion itself, Gelhorn 3+ offers a different option from typical PEA-based cleaning additives.