Ok, so with my previous car, I use Fuel System Treatment Additives once a year. Something like this one: http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST...a.jspDo you guys use it on your 09 Vibe 2.4L ??? I have about 12000kms on it...
Red Hot Metallic 2.4L, 5sp Auto, 17" Chrome Clad wheels, XM
That reminds me it's been awhile since I dropped in a bottle. I used to use Valvoline Fuel System Cleaner that did the whole shibang. I switched to the black bottle of Techron, partly because it's a good product and a good price, and secondly cause the commercials are funny. Note:Both Volvo and Mercedes-Benz have issued factory service bulletins advising the use of concentrated Chevron Techron in repair procedures for vehicles with certain mechanical problems.
Before the cold temps hit, I put in a water remover in two consecutive tank fills (to prevent gas line freeze, obviously). I am not good about maintaining at least a half tank of gas at all times in the cold months, so I never enter winter without doing this.Also, I do two consecutive fuel injector cleaner fills once a year (usually in the fall, to clean the injectors after summer driving), and adding them when I am nearly on fumes, so as to mix well with a fresh tank of gas each time. Perhaps the simplest thing to do is fill up with trusted fuel brands that gunk up your injectors less than no-name brands. I never fill up at grocery store gas stations or no-name discount places. Just don't trust 'em. I'll even skip a highway exit, if I don't recognize any fuel brands.My long-winded two cents.
For about the first 30K miles I used a 12oz bottle of Techron w/every oil change (ie, twice a year). But then I moved and there's a Chevron gas station up the street...so I just try to use that with every fill-up.There is also a website which talks about "Top Tier" gasolines and retailers. Supposedly, these fuels meet some sort of US EPA minimum additive/detergent levels...in other words, they utilize various proprietary forms of "Techron" and similar. I don't know how helpful it be for Canadians, but it's worth a read:http://www.toptiergas.com/
Chevron abandoned my area all together - sucked because my car always seemed to prefer that brand. Now,i just run a bottle of techron twice a year or so.
03 Vibe base. Born 10/14/2002 06:07 AM
Auto, Moon & Tunes, power package. 143k
Neptune/dying clearcoat/primer grey.
I used to use Cheveron Techron, until my buddy who works at a Ford dealership told me it was a waste of money.
* 2003 Vibe Auto Satellite Silver w / Moons & Tunes
* Kenwood Excelon KDC-X597
* Polk DB651-Speakers
* Soundproofcow Roadblock R sound deadening in all doors
* Drop In K & N Filter
* NGK Iridium IX Plugs
* 27 MPG City/Highway with AC on
Overall, no. There are time's I've used an antifreeze but very rare.I have just figured out over the years to spend an extra cent or two and get a name brand gas.Having been in the industry the exception to that would be Exxon. This was years ago but if we got a Mercedes coming in running poorly with the 2.3 and dual carbs, first question would be type of gas used. I'd say 9 out of 10 times the answer was Exxon. It left a reddish deposit in the carb and caused malfunctions.I use mostly Shell and am happy overall. Some Citgo at times and very rarely some other brand depending on where I am and my needs for fuel.Additives are really just a way to get rid of money in my opinion. Not always and not everyone but overall, service your car, buy quality fuel and you are golden.Dave
I run a can of Seafoam in the tank at each oil change ~5K.I've also used ChemTool and Walmart brand.Can't say any of it does any good mechanically.But it does make me feel good mentally.
2008
47,891 Added new horns
47,900 Yokohama Avid 205/55-16 $492.40 drive out w/TPMS rebuild kits
69,036 Added sound deadening
70,395 Battery
106,019 Yokohama YK580 205/55-16 $589.19 drive out