After 30 starts, your car has already lost power. How can you avoid this?
By Bardahl • The 3/6/2025 • 5 min reading
In recent years, biofuels have become more widespread at gas stations across the country. In other words, the ethanol content of gasoline has increased, particularly in Unleaded 95 (SP95). The latter is often available in SP95-E10, with 10% ethanol, whereas previously, this ethanol content was limited to 5% (SP95-E5), or even 0%. The same is true for B7 or B10 diesel, the latter containing up to 10% biodiesel, compared to 7% for B7 diesel.
Biofuel and performance don't always go well together
While using biofuel is beneficial for the planet, engines are less appreciative. Why? Because the combustion of these biofuels is less efficient, which leaves more deposits inside the engine. This is why, moreover, most gasoline vehicles designed before the 2000s do not accept SP95-E10 gasoline. It is also not for nothing that the manufacturers of the most sporty cars and motorcycles recommend the richer SP98-E5 gasoline for optimal performance! Also on the subject, it is only since 2022 that competition cars like Formula 1 have accepted a portion of biofuel.
Loss of power
To better illustrate this point, Bardahl, the specialist in additives and lubricants since 1954, conducted an experiment on a diesel engine. After 32 starting cycles with unadditive fuel, the engine lost more than 5% of its power. To restore its original strength, Bardahl had to perform a new starting cycle with additive-enhanced fuel, combined with Bardahl Injector Cleaner .
As a reminder, injectors are used to deliver fuel to the cylinders. With the evolution of engines, the injection ports of these injectors have become increasingly smaller, with higher injection pressures to compensate. But with the proliferation of biofuels, Stop/Start systems that cause frequent restarts, as well as driving habits prone to engine fouling, injectors tend to clog more quickly. The cause? The accumulation of unburned fuel deposits. It is these clogged injectors that cause a loss of engine power, or a significant increase in consumption.
In-depth work with the manufacturers
Depuis toujours, Bardahl travaille en étroite collaboration avec les constructeurs de moteurs thermiques (autos, motos, camions, marine, jardinage, etc). Durant les développements de nouveaux moteurs, plusieurs rapports ont d’ailleurs souligné le mauvais fonctionnement d’injecteurs avec l’utilisation de biocarburants. Voilà pourquoi il est essentiel d’utiliser des additifs. Utilisés à bon escient, ceux-ci vont permettre :
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De détacher, dissoudre et brûler complètement les mauvais dépôts.
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De rétablir le débit des injecteurs.
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De maintenir les performances du moteur.
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De réduire la consommation de carburant.
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De lubrifier et protéger les organes du moteur.
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De réduire l’usure.
Ces bénéfices mènent à d’autres avantages :
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La durabilité et les économies : faire durer les pièces pour éviter des changements coûteux.
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L’écologie : un moteur propre est gage de réduction d’émissions polluantes.