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Cleaning up

I took my Mazda 6 (2.0 litre petrol) in for its annual service to the local dealer recently and was advised to include a new petrol additive called TuneUp at a cost of about £15 (when VAT is included). I was told that it has only recently become available but that it would improve the efficiency of the car. So far I have not noticed any difference in performance. Can you tell me what the professionals think about this additive? If it is considered to be useful at what interval should it be replaced?

Asked on 23 June 2011 by CC, via email

Answered by Honest John
A nice little earner for the garage. If you have been using Shell V-Power petrol you don’t need it. If you have been using standard grade or supermarket petrol and running the car short distances then you probably do. My advice is to run exclusively on Shell V-Power. Even if it costs 5p a litre more, the extra cost of 300 litres of V-Power is the same £15 and your engine is constantly being treated instead of scrubbed out just once. You should also get slightly better mpg.
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