Georgia area drivers love their cars, and they want them to last as long as possible. From pickup trucks and SUVs to economy cars and motorcycles, the highways and byways of Georgia are populated by all kinds of vehicles, each one representing a significant investment for its owner.
As you drive the highways and back roads around your home, you may wonder if a fuel additive would improve your mileage and keep your engine protected. So do those fuel additives really do all the great things they say, or are they a waste of money? Here are some things to consider.
Check the Results for Yourself
Many fuel additives claim to improve your mileage, but do they really deliver the goods? It is easy enough to check for yourself, so grab a bottle of your favorite additive, set your mileage counter and keep your calculator handy.
The next time you stop for fuel, pour the bottle of additive in the tank along with the fuel. Be sure to note your mileage, then calculate your fuel economy the next time you gas up. If your mileage improves, you know the additive is doing its job. If not, you may want to save your money.
Calculate the True Cost
Even if your fuel economy improves with the use of the additive, you need to calculate the true economic benefit. The per-gallon cost of the most popular fuel additives can be many times the cost of a gallon of gas, so you will need to make sure the improvement in mileage is worth the extra expense.
Since you already have your calculator handy, it will be easy to check the economic benefits. If the amount you spend on the additive is less than the cost of the fuel you save, you can continue to enjoy the benefits. If not, a simple tune-up may provide much greater advantages.
No substitute for Regular Maintenance
Even if you find a fuel additive that works and delivers the benefits it promises, that additive is no substitute for regular care and maintenance. You still need to get regular tune-ups and oil changes to keep your engine running strong and enhance the longevity of your vehicle.
Your mechanic can help you determine how often your car, truck or SUV needs a tune-up, and you should be changing the oil at the recommended intervals as well. By taking this combination approach to automotive care and maintenance, you can help your engine last longer and squeeze more miles out of every gallon of fuel you buy.
