High fuel prices? How drivers can economise

The current prices at the filling station can bring tears to a driver’s eyes. There’s nothing we can do to change the prices per se, but there are a number of simple ways to reduce the running costs of a car. “It's not just fuel consumption – there are the hidden costs, too” explains David Kaiser, Head of Research and Development with oil and additive specialist LIQUI MOLY.

Every time the engine is runs, combustion residues form inside it that also adhere to the injectors. This means that the petrol is no longer atomised so finely at the fine injection nozzles. As a result, combustion is no longer as efficient: lower engine output and higher fuel consumption. “In addition, more and more combustion residue is created, thereby exacerbating the problem,” says David Kaiser. “It’s a very gradual process, so the driver usually won’t notice that fuel consumption is increasing.” The older the car, the higher the mileage and the poorer the petrol quality, the greater the problem.

Injection Cleaner by LIQUI MOLY copes with that problem. This is a fuel additive that is simply poured into the petrol tank. When the engine is running, its cleaning agents reach the injectors with the petrol, gradually removing the harmful encrustations. “The engine regains its original consumption levels and output,” says David Kaiser. “What is more, clean injectors have a lower risk of technical failures. This is a significant cost benefit because injectors are expensive.” With its Super Diesel Additive, LIQUI MOLY has a similar additive for diesel engines.

If an oil change is due soon, running costs can be reduced even further. LIQUI MOLY Engine Flush is added to the old oil immediately before the oil change. Its cleaning agents dissolve deposits and dirt in the oil circuit, which are then drained out together with the old oil. The fresh oil enters a clean engine and can then achieve maximum performance. “Deposits in the oil circuit hamper the proper sealing of the engine, contributing to a higher level of fuel consumption,” says David Kaiser. “They also increase the risk of technical failures, resulting in repairs that could have been avoided.”

False economies can be very expensive when it comes to choosing the right motor oil. David Kaiser: “Nowadays oil is like a liquid component that has to be precision-matched to the engine. Putting in the wrong oil is like fitting the wrong replacement part. The consequences range from increased wear and deposits in the oil circuit to problems with exhaust gas aftertreatment systems and even major engine damage.” That’s why spending a few more pounds on the right high-quality motor oil is a good investment. The oil guide at www.liqui-moly.com tells you exactly which oils are the right ones for your car – simply enter your licence plate number.

After the oil change, a can of LIQUI MOLY Cera Tec can be added to the fresh oil. This is a wear protection additive that protects the engine both chemically and physically. Cera Tec achieves this by reducing friction in the engine. Less friction also means reduced fuel consumption. “But what is more important is that less wear also means repairs are avoided and the engine lasts longer,” says David Kaiser.

These simple tricks allow fuel costs to be reduced – at least a little. But the much greater saving effect lies elsewhere, says David Kaiser: “Nowhere can you save as much money as by avoiding repair costs and extending the life of the car.”