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Fuel additives worth the price?

12:05 PM CDT on Thursday, August 30, 2007

By JIM BERGAMO
KVUE News

With questions like credit or debit, which grade of gas, and would you like a receipt -- many of us probably could use fewer decisions at the gas pump these days.

But would it be worth it to you to make a couple of more decisions and push a few more buttons at the pump if it meant your vehicle might run better?

One company is banking on it.

When customers reach for the gas pump at some Murphy Oil locations across Central Texas, an ad tells them to save gas and money by using Additech.

Additech bills itself as a tune-up at the pump by dispensing and blending special fuel additives into gasoline -- all while consumers pump their gas. The additives are designed to reduce the carbon deposits that build up in your vehicle's fuel injectors.

Gilbert Simental is the owner of Computer Age Automotive, a AAA-certified auto repair shop. He says Additech's at the pump form of dispensing is more convenient for consumers because they're spared the inconvenience of having to shop for fuel system cleaners.

"Being in the business and seeing dirty injectors and what they can do, it's a good idea," he said.

And just like the automotive sections in stores, Additech gives consumers a choice when it comes to fuel additive grades and price -- ranging from about $2 for everyday maintenance to just under $9 for maximum protection.

"You don't need it at every fill up. If it was me, I would probably put it every third, every fourth fill up, just something to make sure the injectors stay clean," Simental said.

AAA recognizes that some gas additives do improve engine drive ability, but it advises caution over the Additech claim.

"AAA has done a lot of research on these types of additives that make that claim, and we've yet to find that actually does improve fuel economy or gas mileage," said Paul Flaningan, AAA spokesman.

AAA advises that even though some fuel additives help with drive ability, nothing takes the place of a certified auto mechanic when it comes to your vehicle's regularly schedule maintenance.

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