December/January 2022

T he word on everyone’s lips in recent month has been fuel, and with the shortages in September, along with the introduction of E10 petrol, chances are you will see some fuel- system related problems in the workshop. Luckily, there are a number of ways to deal with these. Commenting on how fuel systems and cleaners can help, Mike Schlup, MD of Kalimex, the UK distributors of JLM Lubricants. observed: “It is often assumed that new engines, boasting the latest technology, are more dependable than their older counterparts. When it comes to the latest emissions control systems built into Euro 5 and Euro 6 engines though, the complex nature of the technology can cause problems. Emissions control systems depend heavily on recirculating exhaust gases or filtering particulates to reduce exhaust emissions. The benefits in terms of clean air are tremendous but the hidden drawbacks can include reduced engine performance and costly damage to components. These can include the injectors, especially on direct injection engines, EGR valve, turbo, CAT and DPF. These issues are prevalent in both diesel and petrol engines, and increasingly in hybrid powertrains. “Using a quality additive is ideal for maintaining the internals of an engine with a regular service programme running alongside it. However, identifying the correct additive for the job is crucial. Take the JLM Turbo Cleaner for example. It uses a special formulation to help reduce the temperature at which the soot, trapped in the turbo vanes, will burn off. This helps protect the turbo from overheating and prevents unwanted damage. Using the incorrect additive, or overusing additives can result in poor results, or worse still, hidden damage. “Using fuel additives is not unlike taking a medicine. The correct dose of an effective medicine can hit the spot. Taking the wrong medicine will not help cure the problem, and more seriously, taking too much could cause actual harm. “JLM Lubricants offer a range of powerful and effective fuel additives for dealing with issues ranging from clogged injectors and blocked EGR valves to contaminated turbos and overloaded particulate filters. If in doubt, contact the additive manufacturer and seek their advice. It is important to determine the underlying cause of any problem so that it can be addressed, alongside tackling the obvious symptoms.” Mike added: “The days when mechanics looked upon fuel additives with heavy skepticism are behind us. Today’s savvy mechanics are using trade-trusted formulas as part of their ‘repair-don’t-replace’ service ethos. JLM products deliver because they are developed for the trade and are then evaluated by the trade in the exacting workshop environment before being launched on the 42 AFTERMARKET DECEMBER/JANUARY 2022 FUEL SYSTEM AND CLEANERS www.aftermarketonline.net All the latest on fuel systems and cleaners, including new products and methods THE NAME OF THE GAME global stage.” For more information, visit: www.jlmlubricants.com Surge Deferred MOTs after the pandemic have created the current surge in demand for winter MOTs. This in turn has led to a corresponding surge in the demand for fuel and oil additives, according to Dan Morgan, Sales and Operations Director at Lucas Oil Products, who said: “Our Upper Cylinder Lubricant has always been a popular selection with MOT preparation service providers. Its lubrication and injector cleaning qualities can ease borderline petrol and diesel engine failures through emissions tests. The fuel crisis this year, allied to the late-year MOT testing season that the market is now experiencing, has caused a re-focus of demand for additives that address emissions problems. While there’s no shortage, demand for these products is high, so garages should plan their purchasing policies more carefully to avoid disappointment.” Lucas Oil’s Deep Clean Fuel System Cleaner for petrol engines, Diesel Deep Clean Fuel System Cleaner, as well as the engine oil/fuel system additive Complete Engine Treatment are all seeing year-on-year sales increases, as Dan observed: “Suddenly, everyone wants value for money from their fuel tanks. Automotive The days when mechanics looked upon fuel additives with heavy skepticism are behind us ” Above|: JLM Turbo Cleaner