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Expert Warns About Risks and Common Scams Involving Additive Gasoline at Brazilian Gas Stations. Understand How Simple Choices at the Pump and Small Care Can Be Determinative for Engine Health and Avoid Unnecessary Financial Losses.
Additive gasoline, sold as a modern solution to preserve the engine, can pose risks to your wallet and even your vehicle’s performance.
Automotive journalist and engineer Boris Feldman, known for his work in radio, TV, and the internet, recommends that drivers avoid refueling with additive gasoline without full confidence in the gas station. According to him, this practice is one of the most common targets of scams at gas stations.
“You might be paying more for a product that received only a few drops of additive. The ANP does not inspect what and how much is added,” says Boris.
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Why Avoid Additive Gasoline?
Additive gasoline is the same as regular gasoline with the addition of detergent, antioxidant, and dispersant substances. In theory, these additives keep the combustion system cleaner.
However, there is no direct oversight of the concentration or effectiveness of these additives by the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP).
According to Feldman, this regulatory gap allows for misleading practices. “The gas station can add one liter of additive to 10,000 liters of gasoline, or even less, and continue selling it as additive,” he explains.
Common Scams at Gas Stations
Besides questionable additives, Boris points out other tricks used by ill-intentioned gas pump attendants. A classic example is the so-called “magic finger.”
The attendant partially inserts the dipstick to simulate that the oil level is below the ideal, convincing the driver to add another liter, even when unnecessary.
“A gas station attendant is not a urologist. He puts his finger in and says that the viscosity is wrong. This is impossible to know without proper instruments,” he warns.
What’s the Best Additive for Your Car?
The specialist’s recommendation is clear: use regular gasoline and add reliable automotive additive on your own. Feldman suggests well-known brands approved by manufacturers, such as:
- Acdelco (recommended by GM);
- Petronas (used by brands in the Stellantis group);
- Products sold by Volkswagen dealerships;
- STP, as long as the additive is of the detergent/dispersant type.
The ideal use, according to him, is every four tanks of gasoline, always paying attention to the type of additive purchased. “Avoid boosters that promise more power. They can damage spark plugs and your car’s catalytic converter,” he reinforces.
When to Change the Oil, Even with Low Mileage?
Another common mistake among drivers is delaying oil changes because the car drives little. Feldman warns that urban use, with short trips and a cold engine, accelerates oil degradation.
“If the engine does not reach the ideal temperature, some fuel runs into the crankcase, contaminating the lubricant. In such cases, the change should occur every six months.”
This recommendation particularly applies to those who drive less than 10 km a day. For drivers who regularly travel greater distances, the interval can be annual, according to the manufacturer’s manual.
Attention to the Expiration of Tires and Rubber Parts
Another point ignored by many drivers is the expiration of tires. Each unit carries a DOT code with four digits: the first two indicate the week and the last two the year of manufacture. Tires manufactured more than five or six years ago begin to lose elasticity and traction, even if they appear new.
“Rubber dries out over time. Expired tires no longer grip the asphalt and jeopardize stability and braking,” explains Feldman.
The same applies to components such as wiper blades, hoses, and belts. If they are rubber, they deteriorate over time, even without frequent use.
How to Avoid Unnecessary Expenses and Protect Your Car?
According to the specialist, the secret lies in minimally understanding the car’s systems to avoid falling into traps. “If you don’t know, they know you don’t know. And that’s where the danger lies,” he warns.
By avoiding additive gasoline from gas stations and opting for regular fuels with reliable manual additives, the driver takes control of what goes into the tank and increases engine protection.
Additionally, correctly following oil change deadlines and observing the expiration dates of tires and rubber parts are actions that ensure safety and savings in the long run.
Does Additive Gasoline Worth What It Charges or Is It Just Another Automotive Marketing Trap?
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