Best Fuel Injector Cleaner Picks for Better MPG and Power

Fuel injector cleaners are essential additives designed to maintain your vehicle’s fuel system by removing carbon deposits and other buildup. Over time, fuel injectors can become clogged due to impurities in gasoline, leading to reduced engine performance, lower fuel efficiency, and increased emissions. A high-quality fuel injector cleaner helps restore optimal engine function, improve acceleration, and reduce fuel consumption.

How Fuel Injector Cleaners Work

Fuel injector cleaners are chemical-based solutions that are poured directly into the gas tank. As the fuel is consumed, these cleaners work by dissolving carbon deposits, cleaning fuel injectors, and optimizing fuel spray patterns. By improving combustion efficiency, these cleaners allow engines to run smoother, reducing rough idling and hesitation.

Signs That You Need a Fuel Injector Cleaner

• Decreased fuel efficiency – If you're visiting the gas station more frequently, it might be time for a cleaner.
• Rough idling or engine misfires – A clogged injector can disrupt the fuel-air mixture, leading to performance issues.
• Slow acceleration – Dirty injectors can reduce power output, making your car feel sluggish.
• Check engine light – Some injector problems can trigger fault codes in modern vehicles.
• Excessive emissions – A cleaner engine burns fuel more efficiently, reducing harmful emissions.

How Often Should You Use a Fuel Injector Cleaner?

The frequency of use depends on driving conditions and fuel quality. Many mechanics recommend adding a fuel injector cleaner every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, especially if you use lower-quality gasoline. Some high-mileage vehicles or those driven in stop-and-go traffic may benefit from more frequent treatments.

1. Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner

Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus is one of the most widely recommended fuel injector cleaners on the market, known for its ability to deeply clean the entire fuel system. It not only removes carbon deposits from fuel injectors but also cleans intake valves and combustion chambers.

The advanced polyetheramine (PEA) formula helps restore lost power and improves fuel economy. Unlike many injector cleaners that only focus on the injectors, Techron works on multiple engine components, making it a great all-around solution for regular maintenance.

This cleaner is particularly effective for high-mileage vehicles that may have accumulated years of deposits. It’s also compatible with gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines, making it a great option for modern cars that require extra care.

Price: $10 - $15 per bottle

Best For: General maintenance and high-mileage vehicles

Bottle Size: 12 oz (treats up to 20 gallons)

How to Use: Add to a nearly empty tank before refueling for best results

2. Lucas Upper Cylinder Lubricant and Fuel Treatment

Lucas Fuel Treatment is a two-in-one cleaner and lubricant, making it a favorite for drivers looking to protect their engine while keeping their injectors clean. Unlike harsh chemical-based cleaners, Lucas uses oil-based detergents that prevent corrosion and lubricate fuel system components.

While this product does not contain PEA, it effectively removes varnish and deposits in fuel injectors, fuel pumps, and combustion chambers. It also improves fuel economy by optimizing injector spray patterns and reducing friction in the upper cylinders.

One of the standout benefits is its ability to extend fuel injector lifespan, making it an excellent choice for those who drive regularly in harsh conditions or use ethanol-blended fuels.

Price: $8 - $12 per bottle

Best For: Regular maintenance and engine protection

Bottle Size: 16 oz (treats up to 25 gallons)

How to Use: Add with every fill-up for ongoing benefits

3. Royal Purple Max-Clean Fuel System Cleaner and Stabilizer

Royal Purple Max-Clean is a high-performance fuel system cleaner that not only removes injector deposits but also stabilizes fuel, making it perfect for vehicles that sit idle for long periods. This product is ideal for sports cars, classic cars, and seasonal vehicles that may develop fuel-related issues when not driven frequently.

Its three-in-one formula improves fuel efficiency, restores lost horsepower, and reduces emissions by up to 18%. Additionally, it is safe for all gasoline and diesel engines, including turbocharged and supercharged models.

This cleaner is particularly effective in improving engine responsiveness and throttle smoothness, making it a popular choice for performance enthusiasts who want to keep their fuel systems running at peak efficiency.

Price: $15 - $20 per bottle

Best For: Performance vehicles and fuel stabilization

Bottle Size: 20 oz (treats up to 30 gallons)

How to Use: Use every 10,000 miles or as needed

4. Red Line Complete SI-1 Fuel System Cleaner

Red Line SI-1 is one of the most concentrated fuel injector cleaners available, featuring a 50% PEA-based formula. This makes it particularly effective for severely clogged injectors and older vehicles that have never been treated before.

Unlike many cleaners that require multiple treatments, Red Line SI-1 provides a deep clean in a single use, breaking down heavy carbon buildup and restoring injector efficiency. It also contains lubricants to prevent fuel system wear, making it a great option for long-term engine health.

Due to its high concentration of cleaning agents, it is recommended for use every 3,000 to 5,000 miles rather than at every fill-up.

Price: $12 - $18 per bottle

Best For: High-mileage and neglected fuel systems

Bottle Size: 15 oz (treats up to 25 gallons)

How to Use: Use once per oil change for deep cleaning

5. Sea Foam Motor Treatment

Sea Foam is one of the most versatile fuel system treatments available. Unlike most fuel injector cleaners, it can be used not only in the fuel tank but also directly into the intake manifold and crankcase, making it a multi-purpose engine cleaner.

Its petroleum-based formula dissolves carbon deposits, cleans injectors, lubricates fuel system components, and even removes moisture from fuel, preventing corrosion in older engines. It’s particularly useful for carbureted vehicles, motorcycles, and small engines where traditional injector cleaners may not be effective.

Sea Foam is widely praised for restoring lost fuel efficiency and reducing engine knock, making it a favorite for both modern and classic cars.

Price: $8 - $12 per bottle

Best For: Multi-purpose fuel system cleaning

Bottle Size: 16 oz (treats up to 16 gallons)

How to Use: Add to fuel tank or directly into the intake system for deep cleaning

6. BG 44K Fuel System Cleaner

BG 44K is a professional-grade fuel system cleaner commonly used by mechanics and dealerships to restore fuel injector and intake valve performance. It is highly concentrated, meaning a single bottle can provide significant performance improvements in just one use.

This cleaner is especially effective for direct injection (DI) engines, which are prone to carbon buildup on intake valves and injectors. Unlike most over-the-counter cleaners, BG 44K can clean the entire combustion chamber, improving throttle response and acceleration.

Since it’s stronger than most consumer-grade cleaners, it is recommended for use only every 10,000 miles or as needed.

Price: $20 - $30 per bottle

Best For: Direct injection engines and professional use

Bottle Size: 11 oz (treats up to 20 gallons)

How to Use: Add to fuel tank every 10,000 miles for deep cleaning

7. STP Super Concentrated Fuel Injector Cleaner

STP is a trusted budget-friendly brand that offers reliable performance without the premium price tag. Their Super Concentrated Fuel Injector Cleaner is designed to quickly remove deposits and restore fuel efficiency without requiring multiple treatments.

While not as powerful as some high-end PEA-based cleaners, STP is a solid option for routine maintenance, especially for vehicles that have minor injector buildup. It is safe for all gasoline engines, including turbocharged models.

This cleaner is a great choice for those looking for an affordable way to keep their fuel injectors clean without investing in higher-priced alternatives.

Price: $5 - $8 per bottle

Best For: Budget-friendly routine maintenance

Bottle Size: 5.25 oz (treats up to 12 gallons)

How to Use: Add to fuel tank every 3,000 miles

8. Liqui Moly Jectron Fuel Injector Cleaner

Liqui Moly Jectron is a high-quality German-engineered injector cleaner, known for its quick action and highly effective formula. It works by breaking down carbon buildup in injectors, improving spray patterns, and restoring lost power.

This cleaner is particularly popular among European car owners, including those with Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles, where precision fuel delivery is crucial for performance.

One of its standout benefits is its ability to improve cold starts and reduce hesitation, making it an ideal choice for colder climates where fuel system deposits can cause starting issues.

Price: $10 - $15 per bottle

Best For: European vehicles and improving cold starts

Bottle Size: 10 oz (treats up to 20 gallons)

How to Use: Use every 3,000 miles for best results

9. Gumout Regane High Mileage Fuel System Cleaner

Gumout Regane is a PEA-based cleaner designed specifically for high-mileage vehicles that have accumulated years of deposits. It works exceptionally well in older engines, restoring lost performance and fuel economy.

Unlike many other cleaners, Gumout Regane also contains upper cylinder lubricants, reducing wear on fuel system components. It is safe for turbocharged, supercharged, and naturally aspirated engines, making it a great all-around choice.

This cleaner is one of the best options for older cars that haven’t had a fuel system treatment in years.

Price: $10 - $18 per bottle

Best For: High-mileage vehicles with heavy deposits

Bottle Size: 12 oz (treats up to 20 gallons)

How to Use: Use every 5,000 miles for optimal results

10. Berryman B-12 Chemtool Fuel System Cleaner

Berryman B-12 Chemtool is one of the strongest fuel system cleaners available. It rapidly dissolves varnish, gum, and carbon buildup, making it ideal for stubborn injector clogs.

Unlike most cleaners that rely primarily on detergents, Berryman B-12 uses a powerful solvent-based formula, meaning it works much faster than traditional treatments. It is especially useful for older vehicles with neglected fuel systems.

Because of its strength, it is not recommended for frequent use but is an excellent choice for deep cleaning when other products don’t deliver results.

Price: $5 - $10 per bottle

Best For: Stubborn injector clogs and neglected fuel systems

Bottle Size: 15 oz (treats up to 20 gallons)

How to Use: Use sparingly for deep cleaning when needed

Keeping Your Engine in Peak Condition

Choosing the best fuel injector cleaner depends on your vehicle’s specific needs and driving habits. If you’re looking for a deep, intensive clean, products like Red Line SI-1 and BG 44K are among the most powerful options. For regular maintenance, reliable choices like Techron, Lucas, and Sea Foam provide consistent performance without being too aggressive.

If your car has high mileage and hasn’t had a fuel system cleaning in years, Gumout Regane or Liqui Moly Jectron can help restore lost power and improve efficiency. On the other hand, budget-conscious drivers can still maintain a healthy fuel system with STP or Berryman B-12 Chemtool.

At the end of the day, a clean fuel system means better performance, increased fuel efficiency, and a smoother ride. Whether you drive a high-performance sports car, a hybrid car, or a dependable crossover, regularly using a top-rated injector cleaner is one of the easiest ways to keep your engine running like new. In other words, if you don’t drive an electric car, you should use the fuel injector cleaner.