Engine care and fuel additives

Gasoline and diesel fuel additives

Gasoline and diesel fuel additives are fast-moving, high-margin products sold through petrol stations, auto parts and accessories shops, authorised and independent workshops, and fleet and commercial-vehicle maintenance points.

Product groups

For gasoline vehicles: Fuel system and injector cleaners, additives made for direct-injection (GDI) engines, octane boosters, carbon cleaners, fuel stabilisers that stop fuel degrading in vehicles left standing for long periods, additives that counter the negative effects of ethanol-blended fuels, catalytic converter care additives and lead substitute additives for classic cars.

For diesel vehicles: Diesel injector and fuel system cleaners, diesel particulate filter (DPF) cleaners, diesel anti-gel additives that stop diesel freezing and gelling in winter, cetane boosters, additives that support fuel lubricity to protect pumps and injectors, carbon and soot cleaners, and additives that protect against water and bacterial growth in the tank.

Why the category matters

An ageing vehicle fleet, rising maintenance and spare-part costs and drivers' tendency to keep their cars for longer increase demand for fuel additives every year. Vehicle owners are turning to low-cost preventive maintenance before they face expensive repairs.

Technology has also raised the importance of this category. On the gasoline side, new-generation GDI and turbocharged engines are more sensitive to carbon build-up. On the diesel side, high-pressure common-rail injectors, DPF and EGR systems are far more sensitive to fuel quality. Because a failure in these systems leads to serious repair costs, fuel additives have become an essential part of standard maintenance. Diesel anti-gel additives, in turn, are in high seasonal demand in winter, especially in cold regions and among commercial vehicle fleets.

For points of sale, this category is a significant opportunity. These are compact, long-shelf-life products suited to counter and shelf sales, with a high potential for repeat purchase. They are well suited to impulse buying at petrol stations while customers refuel, and to add-on sales alongside periodic servicing in workshops. They also allow regular bulk sales to fleet customers, which gives dealers and distributors a steady, profitable source of revenue throughout the year.

Benefits for the user

• Keeps the engine clean: Cleans carbon and dirt deposits from the injectors, valves and combustion chamber, helping the engine keep its original performance.
• Supports fuel efficiency: A clean fuel system gives a more even spray and more efficient combustion, which helps keep fuel consumption in balance.
• Reduces knocking (gasoline): Octane boosters protect the engine by reducing detonation, especially in high-compression and performance engines.
• Protects the DPF and exhaust system (diesel): DPF cleaners support regeneration by reducing soot build-up in the filter, lowering the risk of clogging and the power loss that comes with it.
• Keeps winter starts trouble-free (diesel): Diesel anti-gel additives help prevent diesel from freezing and the fuel filter from clogging in cold weather.
• Protects the pump and injectors (diesel): Lubricity-enhancing additives protect the fuel pump and injectors against the wear that low-sulphur diesel can cause.
• Reduces breakdown and repair costs: With regular use, it helps prevent problems such as clogged injectors, rough idling, misfiring and black smoke, lowering the risk of expensive workshop bills.
• Keeps emissions low: By keeping the catalytic converter, DPF and oxygen sensor clean, it helps keep exhaust emissions under control and get through vehicle inspection without problems.
• Protects the fuel: Fuel stabilisers and additives that protect against water and bacteria prevent fuel from degrading and forming sediment in vehicles, work machines, boats and generators that stand unused for long periods.
• Easy to use: Most of the products are added straight into the tank while refuelling. No extra equipment or workshop procedure is needed.

With these qualities, gasoline and diesel fuel additives are both an economical preventive-care solution for the end user and a profitable product group with steady year-round demand for points of sale.

Autocher fuel additive range (300 ml bottle)

• Autocher DPF Cleaner: Reduces soot and carbon build-up in the diesel particulate filter and supports regeneration.
• Autocher Fuel Injector Cleaner: Cleans deposits from the injectors and intake system of gasoline engines, supporting an even fuel spray.
• Autocher Gasoline Fuel Additive: Provides routine fuel system care for gasoline vehicles and protects against corrosion.
• Autocher Diesel Fuel Additive: Keeps the fuel system of diesel vehicles clean and protects the pump and injectors.

All products come in a practical 300 ml bottle and are used by adding them straight into the tank while refuelling.