I Would like to know if its a good idea to use a fuel injector cleaner, the ones that you get a gas station and that you put in with a full tank of gas.

 

I'm going to say you do NOT need to add any fuel additives.

The CarTalk guys say not for modern cars using modern gas with detergent.
CarTalk_0

CarTalk_1

Autodoc says no.
Auto Doc

STP (Manufacturer of cleaners) says yes.

STP website

Valvoline (Manufacturer of fuel additives) says yes.

Valvoline

 

I've been searching around and found alot of opinions. Overall it looks like it doesn't really make much measurable difference.

There are several concerns. First- does it work at all. Maybe. Does it do any harm- probably not. If you use premium gas you are supposed to get some additives that help to keep your fuel injectors cleaner but it will vary with your brand of gasoline.

Second, in order for it to work do you use it intermittently like once in awhile (it does active cleaning like Valvoline claims) or it prevents trouble so you need to use it all the time to keep the fuel injector cleaner. If it prevents problems then you'd need to use it alot and by the time you add up your bill over 6 to 12 months you might has well have a fuel injector servicing done by your mechanic or shop since that would be a better cleaning.

Personally if you have a newer car I don't think it makes any difference to use the additive. I don't think you can tell the difference. No independent long term tests have been done to check the benefit or harm done on fuel injectors by using additives on a regular basis. Since the benefit is unknown then companies that make the products can suggest in advertising that a potential benefit exists and that is why you should use their product.

If it were really true that you would benefit then your car manufacturer would include it as part of your maintenance and servicings.

 

I understand you folks are addressing fuel injector cleaner only, but their are really good products like BG 44K that also address possible build up in intake ports and valves, and deposits in the combustion chamber. Doesn't hurt to play it safe every 10,000 miles or so to drop a can of that in. If these cars run pig rich as some have commented, seem like such build up could be possible. Just a thought.