That satisfying puff of white smoke coming out of your tailpipe after using a fuel cleaner? One TikTok auto enthusiast says it’s not your engine getting clean, but it’s actually your cleaner getting cooked.
In a viral clip that’s been viewed more than 83,000 times, creator RoyblingE90 (@pistonplays) takes on one of the most confusing corners of car care: fuel system cleaners. Looking at a partially disassembled fuel system, he warns viewers not to be fooled by flashy smoke or vague marketing claims.
“When you see that thick white smoke at the back of your car, you’re thinking it’s working; it’s burning off all the carbons. No, it’s not doing anything, my guy,” he said. “I promise you, that’s the product just burning off.”
Why PEA Matters
The star of the clip is a chemical compound called polyetheramine, commonly abbreviated as PEA. According to the clip, this is the only additive ingredient worth seeking out in fuel cleaners. RoyblingE90 claims that while many products use solvents or detergents that may work in low-heat lab tests, they don’t hold up inside a running engine, where temperatures are much higher.
That assessment is largely backed by industry science. PEA is a detergent compound first introduced by Chevron in the 1980s and is now used in premium fuel system cleaners designed to dissolve carbon deposits in high-temperature environments, such as fuel injectors and intake valves. According to research published in the SAE International Journal of Fuels and Lubricants, PEA-based cleaners can significantly reduce carbon buildup in modern engines, particularly those with direct injection systems that are prone to valve fouling.
What makes PEA unique is its ability to remain stable at combustion temperatures, unlike many other over-the-counter additives that evaporate or burn off before they can do much cleaning. In simpler terms, it sticks around long enough to do its job.
Busting the White Smoke Myth
The white smoke effect, which some drivers interpret as proof that the additive is “burning out the bad stuff,” is more show than substance, the narrator argues. He said visible smoke usually means the product itself is combusting incompletely, not that carbon is being effectively removed from the engine.
That smoke may be satisfying, but according to RoyblingE90 and multiple automotive experts, cleaners that produce visible exhaust changes aren’t necessarily doing what drivers think they are. PEA doesn’t produce visible byproducts and is more effective at breaking down tough, baked-on deposits than many other additive types.
What the Pros Use
So what should drivers reach for? The clip doesn’t name specific brands but does show a product label with a telltale gold seal in the corner in a nod to formulations that include PEA. Popular products known to use polyetheramine include Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus, Red Line SI-1, and Gumout Regane High Mileage Fuel System Cleaner.
MotorTrend has tested some of these and confirms that Techron, among others, is widely recommended by automakers like GM and Honda for its cleaning efficacy.
In the video, the creator states that he purchases a six-pack of PEA-based cleaner on Amazon for around $26 and adds a bottle every time he refills, spacing out treatments with a six-month break in between. That cadence may be more aggressive than necessary for the average commuter, but periodic use, especially in higher-mileage vehicles or cars with drivability issues, can help restore injector spray patterns and reduce hesitation, experts say.
Do Fuel Cleaners Improve Gas Mileage?
This is a hot topic among drivers, and the simple answer is: It depends.
For a clean engine, especially one running on high-quality gasoline, fuel system cleaners are unlikely to yield any measurable gains in fuel economy. Most improvements, if any, would be too small to notice.
In contrast, older cars or those with heavy injector buildup may see modest gains—typically in the range of 1–2 mpg—after cleaning restores proper fuel spray patterns and combustion efficiency.
What many drivers perceive as “more power” or better performance may come from a restored throttle response. The engine isn’t burning more fuel; it’s burning it more efficiently.
But there’s a cautionary note: The Federal Trade Commission has warned consumers to be skeptical of bold gas‑savings claims. Years ago, it took action against companies promising dramatic mileage gains—like 50% increases—when there’s no independent testing to back them up.
Motor1 reached out to the clip creator via direct messages on two platforms.
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