Reserve your marked down Silverado

Jul 7, 2023

That new car smell won’t last forever, but if you take good care of it, your Chevy car can last hundreds of thousands of miles. In your quest to extend your car’s life, you might’ve encountered oil or fuel additives making some big promises. These don’t always live up to the hype, so your safer bet is visiting the Chevrolet service center at Phelps Chevrolet.

What are Additives?

Several aftermarket manufacturers sell additives that can be put in your oil reservoir, gas tank, or even your radiator. They can be used for various applications, including antioxidants, wear and corrosion inhibitors, crack and leak prevention, and fuel injector cleaners.

Do Engine Additives Work?

Often, yes. But that’s not always good news since many additives contain chemicals that can harm certain parts of your engine, even as they help others.

Are Additives Necessary?

Often, no. Fuel and motor oil already contain detergents and other additives, making the bottles you buy redundant or harmful.

What Makes Some Additives Harmful?

Not all additives are compatible with all materials. A one-time use won’t kill your engine, but additives can eat away at gaskets, plastics, and even some sensitive metal components over time.

But Doesn’t My Engine Need a Cleaning Sometimes?

Injectors can clog, plugs can foul, and motor oil eventually reaches the end of its service life. Each issue is best addressed by a trained technician who can care for your vehicle. If you’re unsure whether an additive will help or harm your car, call or visit and ask us.

Talk to the Techs at Phelps Chevrolet

So, to sum up, while some additives work as advertised, they’re often a band-aid for the issues they claim to address. The best care for your engine will come from the technicians at Phelps Chevrolet, not from a bottle. We’re always glad to help our customers get the most from their cars’ performance and longevity!