Aftermarket December/January 2023

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2023 AFTERMARKET 41 Above: Mile Schlup %$" $ !"#$%& GDI Injector %#% $ # $% Cleaner % $ $ % " $ % # " $ $ # # Email: info@kalimex.co Call: For more information: % .uk What do fuel system cleaners do? As any mechanic will tell you, fuel system cleaners should clean the entire fuel system, including the intake valves and injectors. The aim is to remove contamination such as soot, varnish, and gum deposits in order to restore optimal fuel delivery and combustion. The benefits are reduced fuel consumption and emissions plus extended component life. Do driving patterns influence their requirement? Absolutely. Vehicles that are used primarily for short or stop start journeys struggle to reach full operating temperature. The result is increased contamination levels, especially on key components such as injectors and valves. Motorists are often unaware their driving is storing up problems further down the line. And how many motorists fit into this pattern? Millions I suspect. Are they a nicety or a must have for a cash strapped motorist? In the short term, saving a little money by not using a fuel system cleaner may seem ok but in the longer term, contaminated injectors and valves will result in increased fuel bills and eventually higher repair bills due to failed components. One solution is to use premium or ‘super’ forecourt fuels, but a more cost-effective solution is to use a quality fuel system cleaner every two to three months or 2,000 to 3,000 miles. Should mechanics be using them as part of routine servicing? Yes. There’s no better person than a mechanic to discuss a customer’s driving pattern. They can then point out the consequences of this and the straightforward solution for pre-empting damage down the line. Quality additives are now an important and recognised part of a mechanic’s toolkit, contributing to the growing trend of products over parts and of course repair versus replace. Keeping the vehicle fuel system cleaner with a regular preventative treatment regime will help extend the life of the engine – in particular, critical components such as injectors and valves. For the professional mechanic, they also offer another regular repeat income stream. Can motorists use these products? Fuel system cleaners are easy to use. Simply added to the fuel, usually when the tank is topped up. Motorists should follow the product instructions and if in doubt consult the manufacturer for detailed advice. However, as our trade orders illustrate, motorists are happy to leave this task to their mechanic when their vehicle is being serviced. Aren’t all products the same? No. Much like washing up liquid, the effectiveness of a fuel system cleaner is dependent on how much of the active cleaning ingredients are in the formula. Budget brands cut back on these key ingredients to save money. This impacts on the effectiveness of the cleaner so much so we’ve seen products with zero cleaning properties. A premium fuel system cleaner such as those developed by JLM Lubricants have the highest concentrations of the key cleaning ingredients. What should be the criteria for choosing a fuel system cleaner? Anyone using a fuel system cleaner should do a little research ahead of using one for the first time. Speak to colleagues in the trade to see what they recommend or contact the manufacturer directly for more technical information. Look for products specifically designed for professional use and don’t choose the cheapest product. There’s a reason these bargain basement products exist and it’s not to satisfy the motorist or indeed maintain a mechanic’s good reputation. Mike Schlup MD of Kalimex, the UK distributors for the JLM Lubricants range of additives lifts the lid on fuel system cleaners