Fuel consumption rising? Here are the benefits of an engine degreaser

Over time, any combustion engine, diesel or gasoline, accumulates carbon on its various components. Carbon is a soot residue that comes from the combustion of gases within the engine. More precisely, it is unburned fuel or oil, which is deposited on mechanical elements such as fuel injectors, valves, the turbo, the EGR valve, the catalyst or even the particle filter.

The degree of fouling varies according to different factors. Cheap fuels are generally of lower quality. Less rich, they can cause premature fouling of the engine. But the incorrect use of its engine or the choice of an engine unsuitable for its user profile can also trigger premature fouling. Diesel engines, for example, are not designed to make very short journeys (less than 20km) because they need to warm up to obtain optimal combustion. Certain parts, such as the turbo, the catalyst or the particle filter, also need to be at the right temperature to function ideally.

By accumulating carbon, certain parts of the engine can become clogged. This is the case for injectors, which then require more fuel for the engine to deliver its full power. And consumption is obviously increased.

Clogging of the valves also deteriorates the functioning of the mechanics. A clogged particle filter can put an engine in safety mode, which will reduce its power. The same goes for catalysts and the EGR valve. If these elements do not work properly, abnormal smoke could be released from the exhaust. A seized turbo, eaten away by carbon, can also be very painful to the wallet if it has to be replaced.

As you will have understood, the basic rules are to opt for a combustion engine adapted to your needs (petrol for short journeys and diesel for long journeys) and, ideally, for a quality fuel. But even by applying these recommendations, the use of an engine cleaner can only be beneficial for your mechanics. Indeed, these products have been developed with special additives that clean sensitive mechanical parts such as injectors, valves, turbo and particle filter or even the EGR valve. This preventive cleaning avoids overconsumption of fuel, loss of power and, above all, the replacement of expensive parts.

Using an additive such as Bardahl's 5 in 1 Degreaser makes it very easy to keep your engine clean, without having to dismantle any parts. This additive, which is poured into the fuel tank when filling up, is used 1 to 2 times a year. For a frequent driver who often drives on the motorway, once a year or every 10,000 km will be enough. For a driver who makes more (short) urban journeys, it is recommended to use it twice a year or every 5,000 km.