Reviews

There is no worse feeling than hearing the ping of a stone or screech of a tree branch against the paintwork of your vehicle and feel that sinking feeling in your stomach, knowing that this scratch is going to be a bad one.
Luckily for us, car paint technology gets better every single year. There’s now very little difference between car paint repair kits available online to you and me, and the paint the professionals would use in a repair shop and gouge you several hundred dollars for. With a little time and effort, almost any damage can be repaired, and scratches that would have needed a complete panel respray even a few years ago can now be fixed by you at home in your garage or in your driveway.

The Types of Paint Chip Repair Kits
There are a few different ways to go about fixing a chip in your car’s paint. Here are the different methods employed by the products on our list. If you’re looking to paint more than just a small section of your car, make sure to check out our list of the best paint guns for painting your car.
Touch-Up Pens
One of the two most common types of applicators, touch-up pens are precise and simple to use. Touch-up pens look and feel like a thick marker pen and are used in almost the same way. You ‘paint’ the scratch or chip by drawing over it with the pen, and it leaves a layer of paint that is polished down into the rest of the paintwork.
Pens are better for small scratches or hard to see chips because they only lay down a thin layer of paint. So, unless you put down multiple layers over the course of hours, larger damage is likely to still be visible and if you’re investing that amount of time, a larger kit is a better choice.  Our favorite touch-up pen is the Turtle Wax Color Magic Pen.
Touch-Up Brushes
The other most common type of applicator. A touch-up brush is exactly what it sounds like it is. A small pot, generally less than 20ml, of paint with a thin brush attached. Brushes can be sponge-based or fiber-based, and cover much larger areas than touch-up pens, but tend to be less precise and leave streaks and other visible marks on smaller areas of damage unless heavily buffed out.
Because of these issues, most kits avoid brush applicators, or use them as a back-up option.
Full Kits
The most complete option available, kits like these come as a full set with everything you need inside. It’s common for these kits to come specifically based around an individual manufacturer, which ensures the closest possible match to the specific paints that each car maker uses. It’s also normally possible to get a specific kit matched to your exact paint job by using your vehicle’s OEM color code.
Inside, you tend to find sponges, cloths, and applicators, as well as cleaning solution, pre-paint treatment, the paint itself, excess paint remover, and sometimes a small amount of buffing wax.
Kits like these are often the most expensive but are by far the best products.
What to Look for When Buying Paint Chip Repair Kits
If you’ve already looked through our list of paint chip repair reviews, you’ll have noticed that there are some serious differences between individual kits. Here’s what you should be looking for when you’re making your choice.
Ease of Use
When you break down the process, filling in paint chips is surprisingly simple. It’s just about making sure the area is prepared correctly and putting on each layer evenly, then waiting for it to dry before moving on to the next stage.
A good paint chip repair kit will have everything you need inside, taking all the decision making out of the process, and letting you focus on the important task at hand.
Clear Instructions
Just as important as ease of use is how good the instructions are. Paints from specific manufacturers sometimes need specialist preparation, and a clear and easy to follow set of instructions makes the entire process much simpler.
Safety and Environmentally Friendliness
The days of harsh chemicals being used for car paints are long gone, but it’s still important to treat all the compounds involved with care.
When repairing damaged paintwork, do it in a well-ventilated area. A large garage is perfect. Smaller enclosed spaces can be used if you have adequate ventilation and face protection.
You can also do it outside, though make sure that the weather is clear, with no chance of rain, and low wind.
Size
The tools you need depend on what repairs are necessary. A single scratch can easily be fixed with a pen or brush kit, but a larger area might require multiple coats and extensive prep work.
The largest areas might not even be possible to fix with a paint chip repair kit and might require a complete respray or panel replacement.
Now that you know what to look for, here are our top picks for paint chip repair kits for your car in 2020.

Top 10 Best Car Paint Chip Repair Kits 2020

1. Best Overall Pick: Carfidant Scratch and Swirl Remover

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Why we like it: Most kits on this list have a focus on the scratches and chips and don’t pay as much attention to what comes after. Once you’ve repaired the damage, you need to even out and polish your paint job, and that’s what Carfidant Scratch and Swirl is for.
Editor’s Rating:

A dedicated paintwork restoration product, Carfidant Scratch and Swirl remover isn’t designed to fully remove deep scratches or other damage. Instead, it’s a finishing polish that removes light scratches, swirls, and other paint imperfections, whether they’re caused by repairs to deeper chips, car washes and branches, or even day to day wear.
The premium chemical mix is approved for all colors and manufacturers, and can safely be used on all clear coats, single-stage, and multi-stage paints, meaning that no matter what you’re driving, you can use this with confidence.
The kit includes a good quality buffing sponge and the scratch remover formula but can also be used with any other buffing tools, including power tools. Made in the USA, it’s the perfect accompaniment to any of our top repair kits.

Pros

Restores paintwork to a clean shine
One bottle will last for multiple applications
Satisfaction guarantee

Cons

Only a finishing polish, doesn’t fill chips or deeper scratches
Relatively expensive for what you get

2. Best Budget Pick: Turtle Wax T-234KT Premium Scratch Repair Kit

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Why we like it: The simple process and excellent finish, as well as the reasonable price, make this a good choice for scratched paint and shallow chips.
Editor’s Rating:

If you know anything about cars, you’ve heard the name Turtle Wax. Turtle Wax is recognized for their high-quality washing and detailing products.
This kit is advertised as a complete kit but compared to some of the others on this list, that’s a misnomer. Real ‘complete-kits’ come with a color matched paint, and this doesn’t. Instead, it comes with a clear coat pen and clarifying compound. Rather than infilling scratched paintwork, Turtle Wax’s scratch repair kit strips it down to the level of the scratch, then builds it back up again, good as new.
The kit comes with the repair pen, which is as easy to use as a regular pen, and three different grains of sandpaper, used in sequence to even out your scratches. You also get two spray bottles, one of clarifying compound, and one of lubricant, which is a nice touch. Spray bottles are easier to use than a tub or bottle, and it makes it much simpler to end up with even coverage.
One of the best things about the kit is the simplicity. The instructions are simple, and once the clear coat pen has been used, it takes a minute or two of rubbing down and a quick buff. Start to finish, it takes a handful of minutes.
There are a few negatives, though. One, you can’t use this kit on any scratch or chip that’s deep enough to have exposed bare metal. Two, it’s not recommended for use on metallic paints, as it tends to leave obvious marks. Three, if this is your first time using the kit, go very slow, and check every step as you go. The provided chemicals are powerful, and it’s very easy to over-polish.

Pros

Compound contains sealant
The finish is fantastic, as expected from Turtle Wax
The simple process is easy to follow

Cons

Can only be used on scratches and small chips
Be careful not to over-polish

3. Best Premium Pick: 3M Scratch Removal System

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Why we like it: A complete scratch buffing kit that takes all of the hard work out of the process, because it fits in all standard power drills. 3M’s scratch removal system is a great stand-alone product, and also works incredibly well alongside any of the other repair kits on this list to buff and polish.
Editor’s Rating:

Half of the hard work repairing scratches and chips in your car or truck’s paint comes from the time necessary to buff out the finish once the paint is applied. Most products want you to do this manually, but there’s no reason to. After all, professional car detailers and repair shops will use a buffing machine, so why can’t you?
This kit fits into any standard power drill that runs between 1200 and 1600RPM, slotting in like a drill bit. It’s a 3 step approach to repairs, starting with sanding, then compounding, and finally polishing everything to a mirror finish. It comes with everything you need to bring your paintwork back up to factory finish, including two pouches each of scratch remover and rubbing compound.
3M is known for their scientific approach, and it shows. The instructions are some of the clearest on the market, with defined and easy to follow steps that are almost impossible to get wrong.
This is still only a scratch removal kit, so it’s not suitable for deep chips or other significant damage. However, there’s nothing stopping someone from buying a chip repair kit and using it first, then using this kit to polish out the result for a significantly better finish.
It comes with the disc pad holder, a 3000 grit abrasive square, a purple compounding pad, a black polishing pad, and enough 3M rubbing compound and 3M scratch remover for a decently sized area.

Pros

Contains everything you need to remove even deep scratches from your paintwork
Fits into any standard power drill
Reusable, so it’s useful over and over again

Cons

Not suitable for chips, but could be used with another product
You have to be careful not to overdo an area and strip the finish

4. Best Color Match: Color N Drive Touch-Up Kit

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Why we like it: The most complete kit on our list, Color N Drive’s touch up kit contains literally everything you need to treat your car. It might require more work than some of the smaller kits, but the end result is worth it.
Editor’s Rating:

The best complete touch-up kit on our list, Color N Drive is color-matched to your car’s OEM paint code for the closest and most uniform paint job possible. The kit is absolutely comprehensive, containing everything you need to strip, treat, and seal chipped and scratched paintwork.
The box contains a huge amount, starting with the German-made and patented cleaning solution to prepare your working area. From there, you can apply the paint with any of the provided brushes. Once the paint is dry, any imperfections or extra globs of paint can be stripped with the included paste and tools, leaving you with a smooth finish. Finally, use the carnauba-based wax to polish your paint to a mirror shine.
That might sound like a lot of work, and we won’t lie, it is. The Color N Drive kit takes more intensive work to apply than almost every other kit on this list. Plus, once it’s applied, the manufacturers recommend keeping an eye on the area and applying regular touch up coats.
But there’s a reason. Results. Applied correctly, this kit will leave your vehicle’s paint smooth and perfectly even. Downsides are minor. Apart from the extra effort involved, the instructions can be a little hard to follow at time, so take it slow and have everything ready before you begin. There’s a reason Color N Drive is the preferred touch up paint of car enthusiasts across the USA. It works.

Pros

Good color matching
Complete kit with everything you need
Comprehensive and clear instructions

Cons

Takes more work than some kits
Follow up treatments are recommended

5. Best Professional Kit: Langka Complete Paint Repair Kit

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Why we like it: A full, professional quality kit that comes with almost everything you need to get a gleaming, smooth finish.
Editor’s Rating:

Langka specializes entirely in high-quality paint repair kits, so their inclusion in this list was a given, and this kit doesn’t disappoint. Everything comes packaged in an attractive clamshell case that makes storage and organization simple.
The kit is near-perfect. Inside is a 2oz bottle of pre-paint, which prepares the area before you apply the color. This is fantastic, drawing ingrained dirt and grime out of even hairline cracks that other cleaning products wouldn’t touch. There is also a bottle of paint sealant, and our favorite, a bottle of Langka Blob Eliminator. One of the most common problems when repairing scratches and chips is the paint blobbing, which if not treated is highly visible and looks awful against the finish.
Langka’s Blob Eliminator melts blobs down in minutes, letting you strip them from your vehicle without damaging the rest of the paintwork. Supposedly, with careful use, you could use the kit to treat around 50 individual stone chips or minor scratches.
Also included are 3 micro-brushes for applying paint, and a plastic squeegee card for smoothing out lumpy paintwork after it’s been applied.
The only thing stopping this from stealing our top spot is that it doesn’t come with any paint. This is a minor downside because you have to buy the paint separately. But it’s also a big upside because it means you can use this kit on any car, with paint from any manufacturer, including custom paint jobs. In most cases, it’s easy enough to get a touch-up pen or order a pre-mixed pot from your local car dealership.
It’s hard to find a major flaw in this kit. Like all of the products on this list that promise professional-level results, it takes a little work to apply, requires multiple coats, and takes a long time to dry. We also recommend you watch Langka’s instructional videos, which will run you through the application process from start to finish. So even absolute beginners can achieve a pro-finish from the comfort of their own home.

Pros

All three included products are high-quality
Professional level finish
Covers a large area

Cons

Paint not included
Plastic squeegee card is fragile, snaps easy

6. Best Universal Color Pick: Turtle Wax Color Magic Pen

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Why we like it: A safe choice if you can’t color match your paint or you only have smaller scratches and chips to fill, the Turtle Wax Color Magic Pen is also probably the tool that is easiest to use from this list.
Editor’s Rating:

Sometimes, simplicity is the best solution. Turtle Wax’s Color Magic Pen is simple, but not any less effective because of it. The design is basic, looking like a large Sharpie marker, and the felt tip is easy to get the hang of.
Like all pen designs, you don’t draw with it. Instead, you dab downwards, letting the pen deliver a spot of paint, then move along the scratch or divot. With a little practice, it’s possible to fill deep scratches and rock chips in minutes, and the pen contains enough paint to cover up to 144 inches of continuous scratches.
You have a choice of colors, each part of Turtle Wax’s Universal Color Match range, designed to match the most popular manufacturer’s colors on the market. Because of that, it might not be a precise match to your car’s existing paintwork, so always test it on an unobtrusive area first.
The results are solid and leave a durable bond despite being a one-step formula, but the quality of the finish is mostly dependent on the user. Make sure you follow the instructions and use it as directed. But with a little care, this pen can make smaller scratches and chips disappear like magic.

Pros

Simple to use
Excellent budget option for small imperfections

Cons

Universal Color Match isn’t exact
As a pen the finish isn’t always perfect

7. Best Touch-Up Paint: Paint2Fix Brand Matched Touch-Up Paint

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Why we like it: A massive range of near-perfect color matches across all major car manufacturers Paint2Fix should be the go-to choice if you want a simple and convenient kit that matches your existing paintwork.
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Paint2Fix produces a huge range of products that are designed to match the color of your vehicle as closely as possible. Each kit is color-matched to the specific manufacturer’s paint, with a 100% match guarantee for every shade. Find your make, model, and paint code, and you should be able to find a kit that’s matched to it, straight out of the box.
Inside every box is a complete kit, with everything you need to repair chips and scratches, straight out of the box. Included is a paint formula and blending solution, letting you blend the perfect match to your vehicle’s paintwork, even if it’s dulled by age and sunlight. Multiple micro brushes are included, giving you the ability to cover multiple chips or store the remainder for later use. Finally, there’s a high-grade wax and microfiber cloth to polish everything in once it’s done.
One thing that isn’t provided is a high-grade sealant. While you don’t need to reseal your paintwork after treating it, it is highly recommended as it makes any repairs last much longer.
The instructions are clear and simple to follow, making this kit easy to apply. It can take a little time to get right, so clear a couple of hours, and it’s best to leave your car for a few hours afterward so that everything can set before you take it on the road again.
Paint2Fix kits come with the option for multiple pack sizes, letting you buy as much or as little as you need:
Bronze level comes with the least paint and solution and is suitable for small worn patches, single chips or several scratches.
Silver level comes with almost double the amount of paint and is suitable for larger scratches or dings.
Gold level comes with a large amount of paint that will cover a huge area, as well as almost twice as many applicator brushes and more blending solution.

Pros

Color match technology can be matched to almost any brand
Simple, easy to follow instructions
Buy as much as you need

Cons

Doesn’t come with sealant
Blending the color takes a little practice

8. Best for GM vehicles: ALDelco Four-In-One Touch-Up Pen

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Why we like it: Incredibly simple to use, matched to your car’s paint job and with a choice of applicators, for smaller chips and scratches, the ALDelco four-in-one is a simple but effective tool that a child could use.
Editor’s Rating:

For such a small thing, there’s a lot packed into each ALDelco pen. To start, each one is color-matched to your vehicle’s specific GM factory code, for the perfect match to your existing paintwork.
Each pen is a four-in-one applicator, with the choice of a piston style pen at the top which activates on pressure, or a thicker brush applicator on the opposite end, ideal for filling in larger chips and dents. Also included is a sanding stone, and a clear coat tip for the finishing coat.
Pens like these are incredibly easy to use. Shake it to get the paint flowing, push the pen down onto some scrap card to load the nib, then dab it into the area that needs filling. Make sure that you don’t try to paint it on, even with the brush, as this leads to a streaked and uneven finish. Also consider that a pen like this doesn’t self-level the paint, so the end product will have to be sanded down and polished.
There are a few small problems, including the fact that the pen can leak after use, but these are relatively minor, especially considering how cheap and simple this is. If it wasn’t a manufacturer-specific product, this would be a 5-star choice every time.

Pros

Incredibly simple to use
Color-matched to any GM vehicle
The choice of brush or pen

Cons

Should only be used on GM manufactured vehicles

9. Best Inexpensive Color Matching: MagicEzy Color Match Repair Kit

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Why we like it: If you have a color that’s hard to match to a manufacturer’s standard, or you’re struggling to find a suitable paint, the MagicEzy Color Match lets you mix your own paint there and then, letting you get the closest match possible.
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The ability to mix paint to get the closest match possible makes a lot of sense, which is why it’s also used in one of our top choices, the Paint2Fix touch-up kits. But larger kits like that are expensive, especially if you’ve only got a small area to cover.
In situations like this, where you might only have one or two scratches or one big, noticeable chip, the MagicEzy is a solid option. Inside each kit is a pair of colors, designed around the most common paint colors on the market. They can be mixed or applied separately until you have your desired color.
Unlike a lot of the paints on this list, MagicEzy paint has a thick, almost gel-like consistency. This makes it much simpler to apply, as it’s less likely to drip or leave blobs. The kit is designed around a one-touch application method, where you clean the area, squirt the paint onto the damage, then wipe it flat in one sitting, and that’s the whole process.
Because the paint is so thick and not matched to any individual color, this kit can be used on more than just metal. It’s safe to use on bumpers, hoods, metal, fiberglass, and even PVC. The finished product is durable, lasting around 3 years on average, under normal circumstances, and the finish can even be changed from gloss to matte.
Unfortunately, the applicators aren’t the best, and the thicker consistency can be hard to work with. You’re likely to end up with a messier finish than on a lot of our more highly rated products, meaning that this is better suited for smaller areas, or rugged vehicles where a little bit of spatter is less likely to be noticed.

Pros

Lets you match the color of your vehicle as closely as possible
Tough, hard-wearing result should last a long time, and is resistant to damage
Budget option, good for smaller, less visible chips

Cons

Matching the color takes a little work
Can be hard to get a smooth finish

10. Best Brush Applicator: SongVen Car Scratch Removal Applicator

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Why we like it: Available in over a dozen colors, if you have several small scratches that need fixing and you’re on a budget, or you’ve used brush applicators before and you want to use one again, this is your best option.
Editor’s Rating:

Simple but effective is the best way to describe these brush-based applicators. Unlike some of the more complicated kits, that require preparation, several layers of solution, and sometimes complicated tools, all these need is a quick shake and you’re good to go.
Ideal for small scratches, and also for small but deep chips, a brush takes no explanation. Dab it into the damaged area, give it time to dry, then polish up and finish. Despite the cheap price, paint quality is good, with vibrant colors and a tough, waterproof finish without needing further coating. (But we still always recommend applying a good clear coat finish.)
The tube provided comes with enough paint to cover a huge area, potentially an entire panel. It also keeps for a long time, several years if looked after correctly, making this a nice tool that you can tuck away in the garage just in case the worst happens.
Most manufacturers are moving away from brush applicators for a reason. Pen applicators are better for smaller scratches, and for anything bigger, there are much better options. With that said, this does exactly what you need it to do, and it’s a fantastically cheap option with admirable quality.

Pros

There are a wide selection of available colors
Brush applicators are easy to use
Low price

Cons

Generic colors might not be an exact match
The finish from brush-type applicators tends to be worse than other options

The Paint Chip Repair Kit Buyer’s Guide
The paintwork on your car isn’t just there to look pretty. Modern paint acts as another layer of protection for the metalwork, and most modern cars also have a secondary layer of clear paint over the top of their colored layer called a clear coat.
Any flaw in the paintwork of your car exposes it to the elements. Metal can very quickly start to rust or corrode, and once it’s started, corrosion is almost impossible to get rid of, and can necessitate the replacement of an entire panel, or in the worst case, cause structural damage to the frame of the car itself.
It’s especially important to repair a paint chip if bare metal is exposed. If you can see bare metal, repair the damage as soon as you possible can, as it can start to rust within 4 to 5 days.
Cold and wet weather means that water can work under the edges of the exposed paint. As temperatures reach freezing, water expands, pushing the paint away from the metal and making the chip far worse over time. If the temperature repeatedly shifts above and below freezing, even a tiny chip can grow deceptively fast.
The Difference Between Chips and Scratches and What That Means to You
Not all damage to your paint should be treated the same, here are a few common blemishes you may see on your car’s paint job and an idea of what fixing them will entail.
Stone Chips
Stone chips are a common feature in the paintwork of most vehicles, especially after a couple of years on the road.
They tend to congregate on the bonnet, front bumper and side panels, leaving a small pattern of dents and chips commonly called ‘road rash.’
Single, individual chips tend to be caused by gravel and stones thrown upwards by other cars. These chips are normally larger, and they’re more common in winter, when roads are being gritted regularly, or on freeways and other high-speed roads, but can happen without warning at any time, so they are impossible to predict or protect yourself from.
Scratches
A scratch can be caused by almost anything, but the most common causes are car washes, both hand car washes and automatic machines, and by people or objects rubbing, scraping or knocking into your car.
Scratches tend to be less deep than chips because the force of impact is spread along the paintwork, rather than directly at it, which results in a longer, shallower damage pattern rather than a chunk of missing paint.
Because of this, and because the damage pattern is a long, thin line, scratches can be much easier to repair than chips, normally needing just a simple coat of paint and a polish.
Paint Chip Repair Kit Frequently Asked Questions
Are Paint Chip Repair Kits Worth Using?
Absolutely. Often, people who are biased against kits like these have an outdated view of what they are. Most people who think of touch-up kits think of cheap, shoddy pens that leave visible discolored streaks, but those days are long gone.
Now, most paint touch-up kits contain color-matched, manufacturer-approved paint that’s going to be the same shade and brand as any paint used by a repair shop, meaning that with a little work and care, the results should be near-indistinguishable from the surrounding paintwork.
Is There Ever a Reason to Avoid Using a Home Paint Repair Kit?
There’s a simple rule of thumb for when to try and repair at home, and when to take the car to the shop.
Car paint repair kits are designed to repair the paint and primer of your vehicle. If the impact was bad enough that it damaged the bodywork of your car, take it to the shop.
At best, you’ll paint over bodywork damage that will be permanently visible until you replace the panel. At worst you’ve just compromised the structure of your car, or it has underlying damage which is only going to get worse.
In What Order Do I Apply Each Layer of Paint?
Start by cleaning and drying the damaged area, and removing all rust and corrosion
If there is bare metal, apply a layer of primer
Once the primer is dry, apply a layer of paint
When the paint has dried, apply a layer of clear coat.
Wet sand the area with fine grain sandpaper to smooth out any imperfections
If necessary, apply further layers of paint once the initial layer has completely dried
Where Can I Find My Car’s Paint Code?
There are multiple places this might be found on your car, and it varies between manufacturers. You’re looking for the car’s identification plate, which contains information like make and model, engine size, serial number, and color code. Places to look include:
The glove box
Under the hood
In the boot
Inside the door frame on the driver’s side
If you still can’t find your car’s paint code, you can check this list, or search online for your car’s model and the year in which it left the factory.
I’ve Applied Too Much Paint. How Do I Remove It?
After repairing your car using a chip repair kit, it’s common for small paint blobs to be left on the surface of your vehicle.
They’re relatively simple to get off with a little paint thinner and a q-tip, but make sure you wait until the paint has dried.
Don’t try to wipe away wet paint, because it will streak and ruin your paintwork.
My Car’s Paintwork Has Aged. What Can I Do?
This is a difficult situation. The first option is to buy color matched paint that’s adjusted based on the age and weathering of your car, but this is an involved process, expensive and normally requires taking your car to the shop to get it resprayed.
The second, better option is to buy a color-matched repair kit. These come with paint that is matched to your vehicle’s make and model, as well as a second pot of mixer, which you slowly add to the main paint to fade and dull it down until it matches the color of your existing paintwork.
Unfortunately, neither of these options will ever be perfect, as no new coat of paint is going to have experienced the events that changed the color of your vehicle’s paintwork.
But in general, smaller chips and scratches won’t show, even if your paint has faded slightly from UV damage or other environmental factors. Larger chips might show, especially in direct sunlight, but using a smaller kit like this makes matching that difficult.
How Long Does It Take to Repair a Paint Chip?
Much less time than you might think. Like most things when it comes to car care, more than half of your time is spent in preparation and aftercare.
For chip and scratch repairs, that means sanding down and cleaning the damaged area, making sure it’s free from corrosion, wax, grease or anything else that might prevent the paint from cleanly adhering.
Once the vehicle is prepared, actually applying the primer, paint and clear coat can only take a few minutes, with a short break in between to wait for coats to dry.
Once the paint is applied, the surface has to be sanded and rubbed down, until the repair is flush and clean with existing paintwork. It can take multiple layers of paint and clear coat, with even more sanding, to achieve the perfect finish, which can be a slow and tedious process, depending on the depth of the chip and extent of the damage.
Final Thoughts
Our top picks are all complete kits for a reason. Getting everything you need in a single box ensures that you’re not going to get halfway through the process and have to make an emergency run to the hardware store. Plus, every kit reviewed had consistently excellent performance across the board.
If in doubt, find a complete repair kit that’s matched to your car’s make and model, and you’ll be in good hands. More

Picture this: you’ve bought yourself a beautiful old sports car and, like any good owner, have stored it out of the elements for the winter. You’ve also been careful to top-up all the fluids, remove the battery, and keep your vehicle in a moisture-free environment, so it’s in perfect condition for the spring.
When the first warm day of spring arrives, you couldn’t be more excited to take your pride and joy for a spin, so you spend the morning getting it all ready and attempt to fire up the engine.
But it won’t start.
You try again and again, but the car won’t turn over, and you’re left wondering what possibly could have gone wrong.
The answer is likely in the fuel.
Whenever your sports car, or any other vehicle, sits without running for more than a month, it’s essential to use a fuel stabilizer to prevent the gasoline from going bad and clogging the fuel system. In this guide, we’ll look at the top fuel stabilizers on the market.

Factors to Consider When Buying Fuel Stabilizers
From the second you put fuel in your gas tank, it starts to degrade. Over a few months, the fuel can oxidize, forming gummy deposits that can clog up your fuel system and hinder your vehicle’s performance. It also makes the fuel less potent.
Additionally, most modern gas contains ethanol, a corrosive material that can damage fuel lines, gas tanks, and carburetors. Ethanol also attracts water, another corrosive substance, from the atmosphere, doing further damage to your fuel system.
Before looking at the best fuel stabilizers available today, you must know what to look for in a high-end product. After all, if the fuel stabilizer that you go with doesn’t last long enough or is too difficult to use, you won’t be happy with the result.
Longevity
Different fuel stabilizers last for different amounts of time, and the option you choose should generally depend on how long you wish to store your vehicle. As a rule, however, most reputable fuel stabilizers will keep your fuel in good shape for a year or two.
As a result, you can store your car or other motorized equipment for up to 24 months without worrying about the fuel oxidizing or any ethanol present damaging the fuel system.
Of course, you don’t necessarily need to choose an option that lasts for two years if you’re only storing your vehicle for a month or two at a time; the choice is up to you.
How Much To Use
The various fuel stabilizers on the market have different concentrations, affecting how much you’ll need to use in your car. The packaging instructions will let you know the approximate amount to allocate per gallon of fuel in your tank.
Some brands have a chart on the bottle’s side, so very little math is required, while others tell you to use the entire bottle. It’s OK to go over this approximate amount by a bit, but not putting enough fuel stabilizer into your tank could make it less effective.
Keep in mind that stabilizers with a lower concentration could end up costing you more, despite their lower sticker price, because you’ll have to put more in your tank than you would of a highly concentrated product.
Size
Hand in hand with the product’s concentration is the size of its bottle. Many top fuel stabilizers come in multiple sizes, allowing you to decide based on how much you need.
For example, if you’ll be storing multiple vehicles, or wish to use the product in your lawnmower, string trimmer, motorhome, and car, you’ll want a larger bottle. Likewise, if you’re only applying the stabilizer to your motorcycle, a smaller bottle will suffice.
Products with multiple size options make it easier to select a bottle that is right for you, especially since most fuel stabilizers have a shelf life of about two years after opening.
Ease of Use
If you’ve ever struggled to put oil in your car without spilling, you know how challenging it can be to pour things into your vehicle. The same can be said for fuel stabilizers, as you’ll have to get this liquid into your gas tank without making a huge mess.
Some products have spouts that you can insert into the tank, and even have a measuring mechanism built into the bottle. If you aren’t a mechanic, selecting an easy-to-use fuel stabilizer should be a priority because it lessens the potential problems you could encounter.
Other Considerations
Many well-known brands have fuel stabilizers on the market, and, despite some of these products also cleaning your fuel system and engine, the end goal is always the same: to prevent your gas from going bad and clogging your fuel system.
Generally, bad gas will prevent your engine from firing up, and in the worst-case scenario, could obstruct or damage your carburetor and fuel lines, forcing you to visit a mechanic. By putting a fuel stabilizer into your gas tank before storing your vehicle away, if even for a month, you can stop the gas from going bad.
Here’s a look at the top fuel stabilizers available in 2020.

Top 10 Best Fuel Stabilizers 2020

1. Best Overall Fuel Stabilizer: Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment

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Why we like it: Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment helps vehicles fire up for the first time after lengthy storage by preventing a build-up in their engines.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size of bottle: Eight ounces
Easy to pour: Yes
Longevity: Two years
How much to use: One ounce per six gallons of gas
Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment is a top fuel stabilizer option because not only does it keep the gas in your tank fresh, but it can make old gas usable again. Yes, if you have old gas in a fuel tank or gas can, this treatment can bring it back.
This product ensures that your vehicle will start up and run smoothly after lengthy storage and eliminates the need to drain your tank before storing your car for the season. The product is expensive when used as a fuel treatment because you’ll have to put some in every time you fill up, but an excellent option as a fuel stabilizer for the occasional user.
Using the Product
Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment has a long spout, making it easy to pour into the gas tank without spilling. You’ll want to use one ounce of stabilizer for every six gallons of gasoline, and there’s a measurement guide on the side of the bottle showing you how much you’re putting into the tank.
Remember, the frequency with which you use the product depends on your preferences. If you’re only using it for storage, you’ll measure the necessary amount and put it in your tank before storing the vehicle. Since the product also acts as a fuel treatment, you might re-administer it every time you fill your tank, as well.
Verdict
Overall, Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment does an outstanding job of not only keeping fuel fresh but protecting the entire fuel system from damage. The main drawback is its price, as having to administer one ounce for every six gallons of gas adds up if you’re using it to treat your car after every fill. At the same time, its eight-ounce bottle is under $10 and can treat 48 gallons of fuel, making it a solid option for the annual user.

Pros

Keeps gas fresh
Easy to pour
Good for long-term storage
Prevents fuel system problems

Cons

Small bottles
Can get expensive

2. Best Budget Fuel Stabilizer: STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer

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Why we like it: STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer comes in multiple sizes and does an excellent job of protecting your engine for up to 24 months.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size of bottle: Multiple sizes between eight ounces and one gallon
Easy to pour: Yes, except for the one-gallon jug
Longevity: Two years
How much to use: One ounce per 2.5 gallons of fuel
Unlike other fuel stabilizers that also clean the fuel system, freshen up old gas, and improve your gas mileage, STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer has one job: to keep your gasoline stable. The good news is that this product is excellent at preventing your fuel from oxidizing and damaging your fuel system because it does this one job extraordinarily well.
If you’ll be removing your car from storage to occasionally drive it or want something that’ll clean your fuel system while you go, you might look to another product like Royal Purple Max-Clean Fuel System Cleaner and Stabilizer. If you’ll be storing your vehicle for months at a time, or even up to two years, however, STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer is a great product.
Using the Product
STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer is incredibly easy to use because of its long spout. Keep in mind that the one-gallon jug doesn’t have this spout, making it more challenging to pour into your gas tank. The product also has measurement units built onto the side of the bottle, giving you a rough idea of how much you’re putting into the tank. To use the product, you’ll want to fill your tank at least 95% full before topping it up with fuel stabilizer and letting the engine run for five minutes.
Verdict
If you plan to let your vehicle sit for more than 30 days, STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer will ensure that your fuel stays fresh and doesn’t rust your carburetor. It’ll also protect your engine from gumming up and remove moisture from your gasoline, preventing corrosion. The main problem is that it takes one ounce of product to treat 2.5 gallons of fuel, so you’ll need a lot of it to protect an entire tank of gas.

Pros

Multiple sizes
Excellent fuel system protection
Keeps gas fresh for two years
Easy to use

Cons

Need a lot of it
Doesn’t clean the fuel system
Only for fresh gas

3. Best Premium Fuel Stabilizer: Lucas Oil Fuel Stabilizer

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Why we like it: Lucas Oil Fuel Stabilizer is a premium product that provides outstanding protection and will also clean your fuel system.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size of bottle: Multiple sizes between eight ounces and one quart
Easy to pour: Yes
Longevity: 12 months
How much to use: One ounce per one gallon of gasoline
Lucas Oil is a big name in the car care industry, so it should come as no surprise that their fuel stabilizer is one of the best options on the market. This product does an outstanding job of preventing fuel from breaking down during storage and also cleans your fuel pump, compression rings, carburetor, and fuel injectors.
Lucas Oil Fuel Stabilizer is a top product in this industry, with the one issue being the cost because, unlike long-term brands like B3C Fuel Solutions Ethanol Shield Stabilizer, it only lasts for 12 months, and you’ll have to use one ounce per every gallon of fuel.
Using the Product
One of the best aspects of Lucas Oil Fuel Stabilizer is its ease of use, as all bottles, even the one quart, come with an easy-pour spout. All you’ll do to use this product is pour it into a gas tank full of fuel and let the engine run for a few minutes before storing your car for the winter. You’ll likely need close to a full quart of stabilizer to treat a tank of gas, which might exclude you from using Lucas Oil Fuel Stabilizer on a large scale.
Verdict
Overall, Lucas Oil Fuel Stabilizer does its job exceptionally well and provides maximum protection for your engine and fuel system for about 12 months. While a year seems like a long time, this product doesn’t come close to the two-year or three-year storage capabilities of other brands. However, for short-term storage of a single vehicle, Lucas Oil Fuel Stabilizer is a premium option that’s worth considering.

Pros

Top-quality brand
Makes old gas usable
Cleans your fuel system

Cons

Only keep fuel stable for one year
Uses one ounce per gallon

4. Best Full Fuel System and Engine Protection: Sea Foam Motor Treatment

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Why we like it: Sea Foam Motor Treatment is more than just a fuel stabilizer, as it cleans and maintains your car’s engine.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size of bottle: 16 to 20 ounces
Easy to pour: No
Longevity: Two years
How much to use: One ounce per gallon of fuel
First and foremost, Sea Foam Motor Treatment is a product that cleans and lubricates various engine components like your injectors, carburetor, intake valves, and pistons. At the same time, you can use the product as a fuel stabilizer, as it prevents both gasoline and diesel from oxidizing and forming gummy deposits for up to two years.
Keep in mind that when using this product as a stabilizer, its one ounce per one gallon of fuel ratio means you’ll need roughly two full bottles per tank of gas.
Using the Product
Unlike products with a long spout, Sea Foam Motor Treatment is a little more difficult to use because of its short neck. It comes in a shorter bottle because you’ll often use the product as an engine treatment and pour it directly into the crankcase. As a result, you’ll have to be careful when emptying it into your gas tank.
You should also know that Sea Foam Motor Treatment is a liquid, despite its name, and will spill if you don’t take the proper care.
Verdict
Sea Foam Motor Treatment is an excellent choice for treating your entire fuel system as you drive or when seeking a product to use in both diesel and gasoline engines. The product works well as a fuel stabilizer, although it doesn’t live up to its full potential when you have the car in storage. To get the most of Sea Foam Motor Treatment, you’ll want to run your vehicle occasionally to let it do its thing. If your car will be sitting for weeks at a time between use, Sea Foam is worth picking up. If it spends months in storage, you might want to keep looking.

Pros

Cleans your engine
Works in gasoline and diesel engines
Has multiple formulations

Cons

Difficult to pour
Not for car storage

5. Best Multi-Purpose Fuel Stabilizer: Royal Purple Max-Clean Fuel System Cleaner and Stabilizer

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Why we like it: In addition to stabilizing fuel, Royal Purple Max-Clean Fuel System Cleaner and Stabilizer cleans the fuel system and can improve fuel economy and other engine problems.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size of bottle: 20 ounces
Easy to pour: No
Longevity: Seasonal storage
How much to use: One ounce per gallon of fuel
Much like Sea Foam Motor Treatment, Royal Purple Max-Clean Fuel System Cleaner and Stabilizer is a product that does some good for the entire fuel system. Royal Purple works on both diesel and gasoline engines and can improve your fuel economy, reduce your emissions, and restore your vehicle’s horsepower.
As a fuel stabilizer, Royal Purple Max-Clean Fuel System Cleaner and Stabilizer can prevent the gas in your tank from going bad over the winter, so you won’t have to drain your tank before storing your vehicle. The issue with this product is that it’s best used as a fuel system cleaner, so you probably aren’t getting the most from it when using it as a stabilizer.
Using the Product
Royal Purple Max-Clean Fuel System Cleaner and Stabilizer comes in a 20-ounce bottle that doesn’t have an easy-to-pour spout. As a result, you’ll have to take some care to avoid spilling. The fact that the product only comes in a single size capable of treating 20 gallons of fuel means you might need multiple bottles if you wish to stabilize a full tank of gas.
Verdict
Royal Purple Max-Clean Fuel System Cleaner and Stabilizer is a great product that does everything that it’s supposed to do. If you’re just looking for a fuel stabilizer as someone who occasionally uses their car, this is one of the best options on the market. If your car goes into storage for months at a time without being used, a more specialized product like PRI Fuel Stabilizer might be your best bet.

Pros

Cleans your fuel system
Great for occasionally-used vehicles
Reduces emissions

Cons

Requires one ounce per gallon
No easy-pour system
Not for long-term storage

6. Best Fuel Stabilizer For Diesel Engines: STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer

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Why we like it: STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer is a high-end product that’s made specifically for diesel engines.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size of bottle: 32 ounces or one gallon
Easy to pour: Yes, in the 32-ounce option
Longevity: One year
How much to use: One ounce per five gallons when storing or ten gallons when operating the vehicle
Although other products like Royal Purple Max-Clean work on diesel engines, STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer is formulated for vehicles that run on diesel and one of the best in that role. This product prevents sediment and sludge from forming inside your engine, and also reduces oxidation and removes water from your diesel fuel.
The key is that this product addresses problems related to ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD), the standard in North America, which can promote thermal fuel oxidation, corrosion, sediment formation, and lubrication issues.
The drawbacks are that the product only protects the fuel for about 12 months, and you’ll have to reapply it every time you fill the tank when not using it for storage purposes.
Using the Product
The 32-ounce bottle of STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer comes with an easy-pour spout that includes a measurement guide to ensure you’re using the right amount. This stabilizer size will treat 320 gallons of fuel when you’re occasionally running the vehicle or 160 gallons for storage. This 32-ounce bottle will cost you over $20, but it’s highly-concentrated, so you’ll get good bang for your buck.
The one-gallon jug of STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer isn’t as easy to pour into your tank because it doesn’t have the spout. The larger bottle also lacks the measurement units on the jug’s side, so you’ll have to ballpark or measure it when adding the product to your fuel tank.
Verdict
If you have a vehicle with a diesel engine, STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer is a top choice because it is specially formulated to reduce the problems associated with ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel. You don’t want to leave this fuel in your tank for months at a time without a fuel stabilizer that prevents it from taking on moisture, and this product is one of the best at this job. One bottle also treats a ton of fuel, but be aware that it only keeps diesel fresh for 12 months.

Pros

Reduces ULSD problems
Treats a lot of fuel
Simple to use
Formulated for diesel

Cons

Only lasts for 12 months
Have to use more of it when storing the vehicle

7. Best Highly-Concentrated Fuel Stabilizer: PRI Fuel Stabilizer

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Why we like it: A little bit goes a long way with the highly-concentrated PRI Fuel Stabilizer.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size of bottle: 16 ounces
Easy to pour: Yes
Longevity: One year
How much to use: One ounce per 16 gallons
There’s a lot to like about PRI Fuel Stabilizer, as this product is industrial-grade, and you’ll only need to use one ounce of it for every 16 gallons of fuel, compared to one ounce per 2.5 gallons of fuel when using STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer. The result is that a 16-ounce bottle will last for years, although you should be aware that its shelf life is only three years from the time of opening and a bottle of it will run you somewhere in the $30 range.
As far a performance goes, PRI Fuel Stabilizer is one of the best at restoring old fuel to usable condition, which could save you from having to empty a tank containing stale gas. You’ll also notice that this product prevents deposits from forming in your fuel system and can improve your fuel economy.
Unfortunately, each treatment of the fuel only lasts for about a year. However, you can add another ounce or so of PRI Fuel Stabilizer to your gas tank annually to keep its contents fresh and prevent oxidation.
Using the Product
You shouldn’t have any trouble using PRI Fuel Stabilizer because its bottle comes with an easy-to-use spout that will measure the right amount for you. This spout works in half-ounce and one-ounce increments, allowing you to get as close as possible to the ideal amount of fuel stabilizer. It doesn’t take much to stabilize an entire tank of fuel, making this an excellent option for fleet owners or those with multiple vehicles they’ll be storing for the winter.
Verdict
As far as quality and ease of use go, PRI Fuel Stabilizer is a great option. Once you buy a bottle of this product, you won’t have to worry about re-purchasing for at least a few years, which should help you come to terms with the high upfront cost. You’ll also have to remember to add more stabilizer every year if you plan to store your car for a long time, but that’s a relatively rare issue.

Pros

Highly-concentrated
Restores old fuel
Protects your fuel system

Cons

Only lasts one year
High cost

8. Best Fuel Stabilizer For E10 Gasoline: Yamaha Fuel Stabilizer & Conditioner

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Why we like it: Yamaha Fuel Stabilizer & Conditioner is specially formulated for use with E10 gasoline, the most commonly used type in the United States.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size of bottle: 32 ounces
Easy to pour: Yes
Longevity: One year
How much to use: One ounce per one gallon when storing; one ounce per three gallons when occasionally running
Yamaha Fuel Stabilizer & Conditioner is formulated for E10 gasoline. What’s E10 gasoline, you ask? Well, it’s the type of gas you’ll find at most pumps in the United States and contains up to 10% ethanol. This information is vital because ethanol retains water, which can corrode elements in your fuel system.
All of this is a fancy way of saying that this product will prevent ethanol-related problems when leaving gas in your tank, but it’s nice to know that it’s formulated for the exact gasoline that you’re probably putting in your car. You’ll likely have to use an entire bottle of this product to store a vehicle, making it an expensive choice.
Using the Product
A bottle of Yamaha Fuel Stabilizer & Conditioner comes with a long spout, making it an easy product to get into your gas tank. From there, it’ll keep your fuel stable for about a year, so your engine should start right up after being in storage for a season or two.
Verdict
You could say that there isn’t anything special about Yamaha Fuel Stabilizer & Conditioner, as it does the bare minimum that you’d expect from a fuel stabilizer. At the same time, it does this job relatively well, albeit at an inflated price compared to other options on the market.

Pros

Formulated for E10 gasoline
Comes in a large bottle
Reduces moisture-related problems

Cons

Lots needed for storage
Only protects for one year

9. Best Long-Term Fuel Stabilizer: B3C Fuel Solutions Ethanol Shield Stabilizer

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Why we like it: B3C Fuel Solutions Ethanol Shield Stabilizer can keep fuel fresh and usable for up to three years.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size of bottle: 24 ounces
Easy to pour: Yes
Longevity: Three years
How much to use: One ounce per ten gallons of fuel
B3C Fuel Solutions Ethanol Shield Stabilizer works by eliminating problems associated with ethanol fuels, such as moisture getting into the fuel system and causing corrosion. The product also lubricates and protects the top end of the engine and keeps gas usable for up to three years.
You’ll be happy to learn that Ethanol Shield Stabilizer is highly-concentrated. Although it’s not concentrated to the level of PRI Fuel Stabilizer, you’ll only have to use one ounce for every ten gallons of fuel. Your 24-ounce bottle will last for years, making this a rare purchase for your household. There aren’t any extra here, as the product doesn’t clean your engine, and it’s pricier than other options, like STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer, but it’ll keep your fuel stable long-term.
Using the Product
The long neck on the bottle of B3C Fuel Solutions Ethanol Shield Stabilizer makes it simple to get into your tank without spilling. From there, you’ll want to run your engine for a short time to ensure that the product reaches all parts of your fuel system, especially your carburetor. Ethanol can attract water and clog up your fuel system, but this product prevents gummy fuel from becoming an issue by stopping the gas in your tank from breaking down.
Verdict
B3C Fuel Solutions Ethanol Shield Stabilizer is a product that has one job and does it well. If you’ll be storing your vehicle for more than a few weeks, and up to three years, this stabilizer will do what it’s supposed to without worry.
You’ll want to look elsewhere if your fuel system is overdue for a cleaning, and you want an easy solution. However, if your fuel system is in good shape and you want to keep it that way without emptying your tank, Ethanol Shield Stabilizer can work for you.

Pros

Removes moisture from ethanol fuels
Highly-concentrated
Lasts for three years

Cons

Doesn’t clean the fuel system
High upfront cost

10. Best Fuel Stabilizer With Octane Boost: K100 MG All-In-One Gasoline Fuel Treatment & Additive

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Why we like it: K100 MG All-In-One does more than stabilize fuel, as it treats the entire fuel system and can provide an octane boost.
Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:
Size of bottle: 32 ounces
Easy to pour: Yes
Longevity: Two years
How much to use: One ounce per gallon
K100 MG All-In-One Gasoline Fuel Treatment & Additive treats the entire fuel system, preventing phase separation and improving fuel performance. The end result is a better performing car with reduced emissions and a cleaner-running fuel system.
There’s also the product’s octane boost capability, which can increase a fuel’s octane rating by as much as two points. While this doesn’t impact performance, it can prevent engine knocks caused by premature ignition in your car’s cylinders.
As a fuel stabilizer, K100 MG All-In-One Gasoline Fuel Treatment & Additive can stop fuel from going bad for up to two years and bring back old gas to a usable state. You’ll have to use the entire bottle on a full tank of gas, making this an expensive option.
Also, the product isn’t specialized for fuel stabilization, so it could be harder to get your engine started after lengthy storage than with a premium fuel stabilizer.
Using the Product
Like a lot of other products on this list, K100 MG All-In-One has a long neck that makes it easy to get into your gas tank. You’ll want to add it to your tank either before or after filling it with fuel. From there, the product’s composition allows it to easily mix with the fuel, moving it throughout the fuel system as the engine runs.
An entire bottle is often required to treat a tank of gas. If you’re stabilizing a smaller amount of fuel, you can use its cap to measure, with eight caps equaling one ounce of fuel stabilizer.
Verdict
K100 MG All-In-One Gasoline Fuel Treatment & Additive is an excellent product that can do a lot of good for your vehicle’s fuel system. It can also stabilize stored fuel for up to two years, but other products on the market are more effective and economical when used solely as a fuel stabilizer.

Pros

Provides an octane boost
Cleans your fuel system
Brings back old fuel

Cons

Need to use lots of it
Better as a fuel system treatment than a stabilizer

Guide to Buying the Best Fuel Stabilizers
With so many fuel stabilizers on the market, selecting the best one to meet your needs is a challenge. Here’s some additional information to help you make your decision.
How Fuel Stabilizer Works
A fuel stabilizer is a protective, petroleum-based substance that bonds to gasoline or diesel, preventing evaporation, oxidation, and chemical breakdown from occurring. The product also repels moisture that ethanol-based fuels can often absorb.
Fuels with ethanol are widespread today and bond efficiently to water. As this reaction occurs, the gasoline turns into a gummy blob that sits on the floor of your fuel tank or, worse, moves throughout your fuel system, clogging its components. This process is called phase separation, and it ruins your gas, reduces its octane levels, and damages your engine.
The chemicals in your fuel stabilizer work to prevent all of the negative aspects of fuel oxidation and water absorption, keeping your gas fresh and your engine free from the gummy deposits that this reaction creates.
Why You Need a Fuel Stabilizer
We know that, on the surface, you need a fuel stabilizer to protect your car’s fuel system, but why does the very thing your vehicle needs to operate damage its internal components?
The answer is in the type of fuel we use today.
About 98% of fuel sold in the United States contains ethanol, a renewable source that comes from plant-based materials called biomass. The vast majority of this fuel is called E10, which contains 90% gasoline and 10% ethanol. The idea is that ethanol causes less air pollution when burned. It also has a positive energy balance because its energy output is greater than the amount of energy it takes to create.
Laws, including the 1990 Clean Air Act and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, have provisions outlining and governing ethanol’s use in today’s gasoline.
The problem is that cars aren’t designed to burn ethanol, and, as we’ve mentioned, this fuel causes all kinds of problems for engines and fuel systems. It also causes gasoline to break down faster, leading to the need for fuel stabilizers.
Fuel Stabilizers in Diesel Engines
For diesel engines, the need for a fuel stabilizer comes from the mandate for drivers to use ultra-low-sulfur diesel in their vehicles. The gist is the EPA has numerous laws in place that limit the amount of sulfur in the fuel you can buy.
These laws have done an excellent job of reducing emissions, which is good because sulfur oxides are dangerous to the environment and a human health concern, but they’ve also changed the chemistry of diesel fuel.
Hydrotreating, the process that removes sulfur from diesel, also eliminates the fuel’s natural lubricity compounds and makes it easier for it to absorb water. We’ve learned how dangerous water can be to fuel systems and engines, so using a stabilizer to bond to and remove this moisture is a good idea.
Types of Fuel Stabilizers
As you might have noticed, some products on this list will only stabilize your fuel and little else, while others will clean your fuel system or treat your engine, as well.
So, which one is best for you?
It all comes down to your reason for purchasing the product.
Generally, standalone fuel stabilizers are the best for long-term storage because you won’t be driving the vehicle to capitalize on the benefits of the fuel system treatment. Since the products that include engine treatment are often more expensive, it makes sense to stick with the economical option that performs the exact job you’re seeking.
At the same time, if you’ll continue to drive your car after using the fuel stabilizer, you might choose one that has these additional features because they’ll do your car’s engine components some good.
The Lifespan of Gasoline and Diesel
If you still aren’t sure if you need a fuel stabilizer for your vehicle, you should know how quickly gasoline breaks down. While there isn’t a definite amount of time that this process takes, gasoline containing ethanol can start to degrade within 30 days. After you’ve had gasoline sitting in your tank for over 30 days, the ethanol can start damaging your fuel system.
Ethanol also loses its combustibility in less than three months, making it far more challenging to get your engine started. If you’re refilling your car less than once a month, a good fuel stabilizer is a necessity to prevent fuel system damage.
Diesel, even today’s low-sulfur product, lasts a bit longer than gasoline, as you can keep it in your tank for about six months before it goes bad. At the same time, diesel can begin gumming up your fuel system in as little as 30 days, making a diesel fuel stabilizer a good idea.
What Happens When Gas Loses Potency
One of the symptoms of old gas is that it doesn’t burn as effectively, causing problems when trying to start your engine.
Gas is a volatile product that goes through a refining process to give it the exact chemical composition it requires to work in your vehicle. The gas vaporizes in your fuel system, so your internal combustion engine can use it to power the car.
The most volatile components in the gasoline, or the attributes that allow it to create the energy your vehicle needs, tend to evaporate over time. As these components evaporate, the gas burns less efficiently, making it difficult to start your engine.
Fuel stabilizers can slow down this evaporation, so your gas doesn’t lose its potency as rapidly.
Using Fuel Stabilizers on 2-Stroke Engines
We’ve spent a lot of time going over how to use fuel stabilizers in your car, but what about other engines? Well, all of these products, except for STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer, work in all two-stroke and four-stroke gasoline engines.
As a result, you can use a fuel stabilizer in your lawnmower, string trimmer, motorcycle, dirtbike, or any other machinery that will have gasoline sitting in its fuel tank for more than a few weeks.
STA-BIL Diesel Fuel Stabilizer is also for use in diesel generators if you have one that you occasionally use and are worried about the fuel quality.
Can You Use Too Much Fuel Stabilizer?
Since you’ll have to measure how much fuel stabilizer you’re putting into your tank, you might be worried about putting too much in and damaging your car.
Using too much of these products isn’t usually a concern, however, as it’s close to impossible to “overdose” on fuel stabilizer, at least within reason. In fact, if you’re unsure about your measurements, you’re better off putting too much product into your gas tank than too little.
Basically, too little fuel stabilizer could cause the product to fail, while too much won’t affect it whatsoever. You don’t want to fill your entire tank with the stuff, but it’s no big deal if you’re a little over the prescribed amount.
Fuel Stabilizers in Stored Gas
Much of this topic has focused on fuel left in your gas tank, and that’s because this fuel can actively damage your car. Fuel stabilizers are also useful if you’re storing some emergency fuel in a gas can or keeping some gas around to refuel your lawnmower in the summer.
In this case, you’ll likely want a storage fuel stabilizer with the most extended shelf life because there’s no telling when you’ll actually use the gas. Of course, if you’ve bought a fuel stabilizer with fuel treatment capabilities for your car and have some leftover, it won’t hurt anything to use it in your stored gas can.
Wrapping Up
Your vehicles and other gas-powered equipment are valuable, and you want to do everything in your power to protect them from damage. Putting a little bit of fuel stabilizer into your tanks when your cars or tools will sit without being used can save you all kinds of hassle and repair costs, making it well worth the effort. For the best results, find the product that provides the coverage that meets your needs and keeps your engines and fuel systems in working order. More