Best Fuel Injector Cleaners to Keep Your Engine Running Smoothly

In the past, cars used carburetors, which were mechanical devices that required adjustments and cleaning regularly. Meanwhile, modern cars use electronic fuel injection systems, which are self-sustained and require almost no maintenance. However, dirt and other contaminants can cause deposits and build-ups within the system, affecting performance and fuel economy.

Luckily, various specialized fuel injector cleaner fluids may help solve the problem. Still, with so many products available in the market, finding the right one may be challenging. To help you find one that will be just right for your car, we have selected and reviewed 10 of the best fuel injector cleaners currently on the market. We tried to included a little something for everyone so no matter whether you drive a brand new car or an older model, there should be something for you below!

Hope it helps!

Fuel Injector Cleaner Reviews

1. Sea Foam IC5 Fuel Injector Cleaner and Upper Cylinder Lube

Sea Foam is a reputable manufacturer with a long tradition of producing specialized engine cleaning additives. As a part of their lineup, the IC5 cleaner fluid will remove dirt buildups and help lubricate upper cylinder components. This is very important, especially for turbocharged engines, whose high operational loads make them less forgiving in this area.

It’s important to mention that, rather than removing hardcore deposits, the IC5 aims more towards drivers who use fuel cleaners regularly. If you own an older vehicle and basically never used fuel injector cleaner, you might be better buying a stronger formula to thoroughly clean your fuel system once and then use the IC5 on a regular basis.

Besides, Sea Foam IC5 is a universal cleaner and will work with any gasoline engine and all fuel injection systems. The application is also simple, thanks to the easy-to-pour bottle, which works even with capless tanks.  

Key Features

• Helps clean injector nozzles and restore spray pattern
• Lubricates upper cylinder components
• Restores lost engine power
• Improves throttle response and fuel economy
• Work with all gasoline engines
• One bottle can treat up to 25 gallons of fuel

Pros

• Removes dirt buildups and helps lubricate upper cylinder components
• Easy-to-pour bottle makes it simple to use
• Safe to use on any fuel injection system
• Improves engine performance and makes it run smoother

Cons

• Less effective with hardcore deposits

2. Lucas Injector Cleaner

Lucas Oil is another major brand in the fuel and oil additives industry, offering products for various applications. This particular cleaning additive will work efficiently with all sorts of engines, regardless if they have carburetors or use fuel injection. As an additional upside, it will have the same effect on diesel or 2T engines.

Furthermore, it will also help reduce the negative effects of low-sulfur fuels on diesel engines, which are less capable when it comes to lubrication. On the other hand, this additive can also be helpful for vehicles that have difficulties passing the smog test. This is possible thanks to a special blend of additives, which clean all engine components with high detergent action. But just like the previous one, it requires a continuous application for optimum results.

Features

• Works with all engines – gasoline, diesel, and even 2T ones
• Suitable for both carburetors and fuel injection systems
• Uses a special blend of cleaning additives with high detergent action
• Reduces negative effects of low-sulfur fuels on diesel engines
• Helps with vehicles that have difficulties passing the smog test

Pros

• The best option for modern diesel engines
• Almost immediately reduces exhaust emissions
• Very versatile additive

Cons

• Not as efficient with stubborn deposits as some other products

3. Red Line Complete Fuel System Cleaner

Next on the list is a cleaner from Red Line, a brand famous for its racing-orientated oils and other additives. Unlike the previous ones, which require continuous use for optimum results, this cleaner can achieve full efficiency in just one treatment.

Besides removing deposits from fuel injectors, it will also ensure that combustion chambers and EGR systems remain clean. Red Line’s fuel injector cleaner includes a unique blend of powerful high-temperature and low-temperature detergents, which are efficient regardless of running conditions. As an additional upside, this fuel injector cleaner will also improve fuel stability by preventing gum and varnish formation, a feature making it ideal for vehicles and machinery that only see seasonal use. 

Features

• Removes build-ups from injectors, combustion chambers, and EGR system
• Suitable for use on gasoline engines only
• Full efficiency in just one treatment
• Improves fuel stability by preventing gum and varnish formation

Pros

• Very powerful and efficient fuel injector cleaner
• Ensures long-term fuel stability
• Ideal for vehicles that are only in a seasonal usage

Cons

• Not suitable for diesel engines

4. Royal Purple’s Max-Atomizer

Most new cars have engines with direct fuel injection, which are even more susceptible to dirt build-up formation. Royal Purple’s Max-Atomizer is a fuel injector cleaner that focuses on solving this specific problem, although it is suitable for all fuel system types.

Using it on a regular basis will keep injectors clean, even when driving on a lower-quality fuel, thanks to synthetic additives and detergents, ensuring an effective and reliable cleaning action. Another useful feature is the stabilization of ethanol, which almost all fuels have in certain amounts. With time, ethanol may break down inside the fuel tank, which has harmful effects on the engine. Having that in mind, this cleaner is best suited for drivers who don’t have regular access to high-premium fuel.

Features

• Excellent cleaning effect, thanks to concentrated synthetic additives
• Uses polyether-amine (PEA) detergents
• Developed for direct-injection fuel systems
• Suitable for both gasoline and diesel engines
• Stabilizes ethanol and protects the engine from damage caused by its breakdown

Pros

• The best cleaner for gasoline engines that use direct injection
• It stabilizes the fuel and prevents ethanol degradation
• Eliminates harmful effects of low-quality fuel

Cons

• Not as effective on diesel engines as some other products

5. STP Super Concentrated Fuel Injector Cleaner

Another example of a product that requires a continuous application for best results is this fuel injector cleaner made by STP. As the name implies, it contains concentrated and very efficient detergents, which help dissolve all sorts of deposits. While this feature is shared with many other fuel cleaners on the market, STP’s carrier fluid is quite unique.

Namely, instead of dispersing additives and detergents into synthetic fluid or oil, this cleaner uses jet fuel to carry its cleaning ingredients. This unique formulation allows it to also help improve catalytic converter efficiency, in addition to cleaning injector and engine components.

Unlike most manufacturers, who are not specific about usage intervals, STP recommends using this product once every 4,000 miles.

Features

• Unclogs dirty fuel injectors and restores spray patterns
• Uses jet fuel as a carrier, which has a positive effect on the catalytic converter
• Safe for use at every oil change or 4,000 miles
• Compatible with cap‑less gas systems

Pros

• Easy to use
• Improves catalytic converter efficiency

Cons

• Not suitable for diesel engines

6. Liqui Moly Jectron Fuel Injection Cleaner

Being one of the biggest brands in the industry, this German brand offers a wide range of oils and additives. A significant part of its product lineup is cleaning additives, among which the Jectron Fuel Injection Cleaner is the most efficient.

One of the major characteristics that define Liqui Moly products is that they are each specifically designed for a certain task. This Jectron version focuses on cars with conventional, port-injected fuel systems, which will deliver the best possible result.

Using it regularly will ensure optimum fuel atomization, improving engine performance and reducing consumption. However, being a purpose-designed product, this cleaner is unsuitable for diesel and gasoline engines with direct fuel injection.

Features

• Precisely cleans fuel injectors and restores optimum fuel atomization
• Improves performance and lowers fuel consumption
• Ensures reduced exhaust emissions

Pros

• Outstanding results on conventional fuel injection systems
• Quickly dissolves stubborn deposits and restores engine performance

Cons

• Works only with traditional, port-injection fuel systems

7. Chevron Techron Complete Fuel System Cleaner

As opposed to specialized variants such as Liqui Moly’s Jectron, this cleaner is a more universal and versatile product. There are several important upsides it has to offer, and the scope of cleaning action is one of them.

Besides removing dirt and carbon build-ups from injectors and engine components, this product also helps dissolve gunk in the fuel tank. As an additional benefit, it will act as a protective layer that will prevent the formation of build-ups in the future.

Moreover, this cleaner will work with the same efficiency on any gasoline engine, regardless of what fuel injection system it uses. These are just some of the features that make it so popular among many car owners and automotive enthusiasts. As the only real downside, this cleaner is not as efficient with removing hard-core dirt layers as some other products.    

Features

• Works in all gasoline-powered vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles
• Suitable for all engines, including ones that use direct-injection systems
• Cleans dirt and carbon build-ups
• Removes gunk from the fuel tank
• Provides a protective layer that prevents dirt build-up formation

Pros

• Most versatile product on this list
• Removes deposits and prevents the formation of new ones
• Will keep both gas tank and fuel lines clean

Cons

• Less efficient with stubborn deposits as some other products

8. Gumout High Mileage Fuel Injector Cleaner

There are several reasons why older cars with high mileage may require special maintenance procedures and corresponding care products. For a start, most of their components will have a certain amount of wear, making them more prone to failures. And poor maintenance or unfavorable driving habits may make it operate at a far from optimal level—because of all this, using standard additives and cleaners in such cars may even do more harm than good.

However, specialized products are designed with these potential shortcomings in mind, with this cleaner from Gunmont being one of them. It has a unique blend of strong detergents that will easily erode the deposits that form on fuel injectors and inside combustion chambers. Still, using this product will not harm fuel lines and other aging engine components.     

Features

• Erodes the deposits that form on fuel injectors and inside combustion chambers
• Uses polyether-amine (PEA) detergents
• Not aggressive on other fuel system components
• Safe for use on a regular basis

Pros

• Best cleaner for older vehicles
• Very efficient at removing hard-core deposits
• Will not cause damage to aging engine components

Cons

• Requires constant use for optimum results

9. Star Brite Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment

This product from Star Brite differs from the other ones on the list. Instead of relying on various detergents and additives, Star Tron uses a blend of special enzymes that help stabilize the fuel.

When stored for a longer time, fuel will lose its quality because of oxidation and chemical breakdown. This treatment product will prevent these degradation processes from happening and improve fuel quality inside the tank.

Besides, with no gums and other solid contaminants inside it, this enhanced fuel will also act as a cleaner. In addition, this multifunctional fuel additive will ensure that a vehicle starts with ease even after sitting idle for months. Star Tron is a product that is suitable for all gasoline engines and gives the best results when used continuously.

Features

• Uses a blend of special enzymes
• Stabilizes the fuel and helps restore its condition
• Prevents degradation processes and phase separation
• Removes gum, carbon, and varnish from the whole fuel system

Pros

• Has a special formulation that keeps the fuel in the best possible condition
• Ensures a smooth start even when the vehicle was sitting idle for months

Cons

• Less efficient with stubborn deposits as some other products

10. Motion Pro Nd Fuel Injector Cleaner Kit

Despite having different features and chemistry, most fuel system cleaning solutions work on a similar principle. Owners will pour it into the tank, where it mixes with fuel and gradually dissolves dirt carbon build-ups while driving.

However, this may not always achieve the desired effect, as some deposits may be too stubborn and require something more aggressive. These are situations when special cleaning kits, such as this one from Motion Pro, come into play.

In essence, this device has the same idea behind it as professional injector flow benches have. It will remove all contaminants from the injector by pushing a mixture of air and cleaning aerosol through it. This is an efficient and safe method that allows users to repeat the process until achieving desired fuel flows. However, removing injectors from the engine requires additional skills and tools, which may be a drawback for some owners.

Features

• Easily cleans most fuel injectors
• Durable aluminum construction
• Built-in compressor eliminates the need for compressed air
• Uses aerosol cleaners in cans

Pros

• Achieves the best possible results on even the most clogged injectors
• Allows users to repeat the procedure until achieving desired fuel flows

Cons

• Removing injectors from the engine requires additional skills and tools

What You Need to Know About Cleaning Your Fuel Injectors

Why do fuel injectors get dirty?

Car manufacturers use different fuel injection systems in their vehicles, although most operate on a very similar principle. Inside the fuel tank, an electric pump sends the gas towards the engine through a series of fuel lines. Once it reaches the engine, the fuel gathers up within the fuel rail, from where it gets distributed to each cylinder.

The engine ECU controls how much fuel goes into each cylinder by operating the fuel injectors. These are electromechanical devices whose job is to spray the fuel inside the intake manifold at a certain moment. By continuously adjusting the amount of fuel for each cylinder, the ECU ensures optimum running conditions at all times.

Although the fuel may appear clear, it carries a certain amount of dirt and other contaminants. To prevent it from causing damage to the engine, all cars have one or more fuel filters.

Still, a small portion of fine dirt will always find its way around the filter and into the fuel system. And while most of its components are simple and robust, fuel injectors are vulnerable because of their precise internals. With time, contaminants within the fuel can form buildups inside the injector and cause various engine-related issues.

What are the symptoms of dirty fuel injectors?

Besides delivering the fuel to each cylinder, injectors also turn it into a fine mist. This helps it mix with intake air more efficiently, improving engine performance and ensuring better fuel economy. A dirt buildup within the injector will block its nozzle, which hurts the spray pattern. As a result, the combustion process will be less than optimal, as a certain amount of fuel won’t be burned.

Some symptoms that drivers may notice when injectors are dirty include reduced engine power and poor throttle response. This will also lead to an increase in fuel consumption, as some of it goes through the engine unused. In the case of more severe buildups, drivers may even notice that the exhaust fumes have a strong smell of fuel. Sometimes this may even trigger a check engine light, with catalytic converter correlated codes being stored.

How do fuel injector cleaners work?

Fuel injector cleaners are special liquids, which allow car owners to remove dirt from their fuel systems without dismantling them. They contain a mixture of strong detergents and other chemicals capable of dissolving stubborn dirt and carbon buildups. Thanks to this purpose-made formulation, they will clean the whole fuel injection system while causing no damage to it or other components.

However, there are several differences between various products on the market, with the chemical composition being one of them. The best ones are those who use Polyetheramine (PEA) as a detergent, as this is the strongest and the most efficient one. Besides being an excellent detergent, this chemical can also withstand extreme temperatures. As a result, cleaner fluids with this agent will help remove dirt deposits from the injectors and inside the combustion chamber.

Other possible variants include a water-removing Polyisobutene (PIB) and a somewhat less efficient Polyisobutylene-Amine (PIBA).

Which fuel injector cleaner is the best one for my car?

Because there is a wide range of cleaning products, choosing the right one may be more difficult than one might imagine. And some owners may even be worried about the potential damage that may occur if using an unsuitable cleaner.

Still, several simple tips will help when selecting different products. For a start, fuel injector cleaners are available for both gasoline and diesel engines, and getting the right one is crucial. Also, cars that have gasoline engines with direct injection may require specially designed products for this purpose.

Another key aspect is the cleaning effect that a certain product offers, as many of them will have different dissolving capabilities. Injectors that are quite clogged will need a more aggressive cleaner, which will remove stubborn dirt build-ups. However, using such products as a preventive step may be overkill and put unnecessary strain on the fuel system. Instead, a fuel injector cleaner that is a bit milder would be ideal for maintenance procedures.

How often should I use these products?

Like many other engine-related subjects, application intervals for fuel cleaners vary and depend on several factors. First among them are driving habits, as frequent short journeys may speed up the formation of dirt and carbon build-ups. Another contributing factor is the quality of fuel, which is something that not all owners can do much about. This is because finding a gas station that sells premium quality fuel can be difficult in some areas.   

Using a selected fuel injector cleaner regularly will prevent these negative factors from having a harmful impact. Still, most manufacturers are not quite specific on how often to use their products. Pouring it into the tank at every fill-up may not be necessary if the car shows no symptoms of clogged injectors. But even if everything seems fine, using a fuel cleaner once every 3-4,000 miles might be a good idea.

How to Use Fuel Injector Cleaners?

Many manufacturers offer various fuel injector cleaning solutions, and they all differ in methods of application. When using a selected product, make sure to closely follow all instructions that you may find on the back of the bottle.

Fuel tank injector cleaners

When it comes to how you use one, we can divide all fuel injector cleaners into two main categories. The first one is those that go into the fuel tank, which is quite easy to use. A general procedure that you should follow goes like this: 

• Start by shopping for a selected product. Although most gas stations offer a wide range, there is no guarantee you’ll find the exact one you want.
• Drive your car until there are only a few gallons of fuel left inside the tank. As a rule of thumb, this will be the moment when the ‘fuel reserve’ warning light comes up on your dashboard. 
• Stop at the gas station and remove the filler cap.
• Before pouring in the fuel, open the fuel injector cleaner bottle and empty its content into the tank. Depending on the vehicle and selected product, you may need one or more cans.
• Once the cleaner fluid is in, fill the tank with fuel as you would usually do. In most cases, a canister of this fluid is sufficient for a full tank, although you should double-check this for your product. 
• All that is left now is to drive until you have spent the fuel-and-cleaner mixture, which is quite simple. Still, several tips will help ensure better results and make the cleaning process more efficient. Try to take longer journeys if possible, as driving at running temperatures improves the dissolving effect. It’s similar to higher loads, but avoid pushing the engine to the limit. 
• After you have spent the whole tank, try to figure out what improvements the cleaning process has achieved. If buildups inside fuel injectors are severe, it may be necessary to repeat the procedure several times.

Removing and cleaning the fuel injectors

There are situations when one or more injectors are so clogged that driving is almost impossible. In such cases, trying to solve the issue with a traditional fuel injector cleaner may even lead to engine damage. Instead, the only viable option is to remove the fuel injectors from the engine and clean them using special equipment.

Fortunately, several helpful products will allow skilled car owners to clean their injectors even in such situations. The procedure is not very complex, although it does require some experience and access to tools.

• Start by lifting the hood and locating the fuel rail and injectors. Depending on the vehicle and engine inside it, you may need to remove various components that are in the way. Among other things, this may include covering plates or even the intake manifold.
• Locate the relief valve on the rail and drain the fuel into a suitable container.
• Remove the fuel rail and move it out of the way.
• Unplug the fuel injectors by disconnecting their wiring harness and then pull out each injector. You may have to wiggle them a bit until they are loose.  
• Clean each of the injectors following the procedure described on the product itself. Most of these bench-cleaning products usually come with additional hardware, which makes the process easier.
• When refitting injectors, you may consider using new sealing rings, as this will prevent any potential vacuum leaks.
• Reinstall all remaining parts in reverse order of removal.    

Verdict

As we have explained in this article, different fuel injector cleaner products are available, each with some unique features. Universal cleaners, such as those from Chevron or Star Brite, will do a great job keeping the whole fuel system clean.

Meanwhile, specialized variants will have a focus on one specific task. For instance, the Lucas Cleaner will help modern diesel engines with low-sulfur fuel issues, while the product from Gumout is ideal for older vehicles.

Finally, traditional cleaners, such as Liqui Moly or Red Line, are the best at removing deposits within the injector itself. And in case of extreme deposits and build-ups, a Motion Pro fuel injector cleaning kit may be the only viable option.