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I'm not automatically opposed to additives, and KIA does recommend the use of injector cleaner, but I would suggest for the engine oil a premium oil of the appropriate viscosity is probably about the best you can do.
What I do for the fuel is use about 1/2 oz to 1 oz of Startron each time I gas up. This is a fuel stabilizer that also cleans anything coming into contact with the fuel. Being much milder than a fuel injector cleaner, it works much slower, which is why I use it all the time. Prior to this, in previous vehicles, I used Sta-Bil (various types as they became available) going back to about 1996. I have yet to need any fuel system maintenance on any vehicle and have not needed to replace any catalytic converter.
For the SX, which ordinarily tends to build carbon in the combustion chambers, I believe this regimen is critical. If carbon builds up, it actually increases the compression ratio which can cause spark knock, which is something you really need to avoid with this engine. It can also glow with heat and cause pre-ignition which is basically the same thing.
What I do for the fuel is use about 1/2 oz to 1 oz of Startron each time I gas up. This is a fuel stabilizer that also cleans anything coming into contact with the fuel. Being much milder than a fuel injector cleaner, it works much slower, which is why I use it all the time. Prior to this, in previous vehicles, I used Sta-Bil (various types as they became available) going back to about 1996. I have yet to need any fuel system maintenance on any vehicle and have not needed to replace any catalytic converter.
For the SX, which ordinarily tends to build carbon in the combustion chambers, I believe this regimen is critical. If carbon builds up, it actually increases the compression ratio which can cause spark knock, which is something you really need to avoid with this engine. It can also glow with heat and cause pre-ignition which is basically the same thing.
