Should Fuel Additives be Added to an Empty Tank?

by Andy Published on Monday, May 20th, 2013

I am often asked how and when fuel additives should be added. With an empty or full tank of fuel? Should I wait until it’s down to a quarter of a tank? Etc.

The reality is that it doesn’t matter how much fuel is currently in the tank. The key is to ensure that regardless of the current fuel level, whether nearly empty or three-quarters full when you administer the additive, fill up on top immediately afterward.

Doing so will ensure that none of the fuel additive becomes trapped in the filler neck. Filling up on top afterward will ensure that the entire additive is washed down into the tank. Furthermore, most additives require diluting with a full tank of fuel hence filling up immediately afterward is necessary.

Some feel uncomfortable with the inconvenience of using additives at the gas station. For this, we suggest filling up with fuel and a 5-liter jerry can. Drive home, put in the additive, and then top up with fuel from the jerry can. If you live close to the gas station, don’t entirely fill the tank to the top; leave a little for the additive and fuel from the jerry can.

Contrary to popular belief, additives do not need to be added before filling up with fuel to mix. This is only necessary with fuel storage tanks. Most additives mix instantly anyway, and a moving vehicle provides sufficient agitation to complete this process.

If you require any advice or help, please don’t hesitate to contact us, and a member of my team or I will be pleased to help.

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8 thoughts on “Should Fuel Additives be Added to an Empty Tank?”

Ruhel says:

February 29, 2024 at 9:58 am

Thanks for this article. What if my tank is almost full with only 2 litres to spare. Can I add the additive then top up the 2 litres of diesel or wait for the fuel to go down to at least 3 quarters full?

Reply
1. Andy says:
  
  April 28, 2024 at 6:52 pm
  
  Yes, that should be fine.
  
  Reply
Russ says:

July 16, 2020 at 9:01 pm

Just wondering if I could use addititive or a mixture of additive and petrol, to clean and treat the inside of a salvaged fuel filler pipe before fixing it to the car?

Reply
1. Andy says:
  
  July 23, 2020 at 11:01 am
  
  Use a low cost carb cleaner or similar.
  
  Reply
Cory Brocken says:

August 14, 2019 at 1:37 am

I was wondering if it was coincidence or not. I purchased chevron techron fuel additive and added it to my 2012 Nissan armada, it said 25miles till empty so I’m assuming it had less than 5gals of gas when I added it. Once I added fuel additive, i drove 2 Miles and filled up my tank. The next day my engine was idling rough and check engine light came on which the code said all 4 cylinders on driver side were misfiring. Wondering if this is common or if damage could have occurred driving vehicle with additive and too little fuel. Any experienced input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Reply
1. Andy says:
  
  August 21, 2019 at 8:58 am
  
  It should pass but that is 10 times the treat rate through the fuel system for 2 miles and not recommended.
  
  Reply
Ralph Burton says:

July 12, 2017 at 4:30 pm

2.2 litre diesel JaguarXF
Relatively low milage of 37,000 for car built 2013
Loss of power momentarily at junctions when trying to pull away at low speeds (intermittent) . Car feels fine at all other times.
Reading your literature I have identified your product AR6400-D MAX as most likely to be helpful.
Need reassurance to go ahead.

Reply
1. Andy says:
  
  July 13, 2017 at 9:01 am
  
  That would also be my recommendation.
  
  Reply

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