In Spain, we have a fleet of more than 25 million cars, according to the latest data published by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA). This data highlights the importance of an everyday action such as refueling. The fuel that combines with oxygen to start a vehicle is not the only liquid found in cars. Most vehicles also contain additives that enhance engine performance, the combustion process, or increase gasoline octane rating. But what is the real purpose of fuel additives?
What are they?
They are a chemical formula with components that promote engine performance. Additionally, they play a role in the combustion process to ensure efficiency. This substance is added to both gasoline and diesel, with the ultimate goal of preventing future problems caused by low-quality fuel. Another purpose is the lubrication of injectors or engine cleaning. Each company selects its additives, and in the case of Plenoil, they are recommended by experts in the hydrocarbons sector to provide the best possible quality to customers.
What are Plenoil additives like?
At Plenoil, they offer two additives recommended by sector experts, both with benefits for the proper functioning of the vehicle. In the case of diesel, it is treated with HQ300, and gasoline contains HQ400. Except for our gas stations in the Canary Islands, which are treated with Plenoil 95 and Plenoil 40, also recommended by hydrocarbons sector experts.
HQ300
It is a multifunctional additive developed for use in automotive diesel (Diesel A). It has improvement properties for the vehicle, including the following points:
- Improved ignition quality of diesel fuel (typical increase in cetane number in the order of 0.8).
- Maintains clean injectors (flow loss less than 70% in detergency test CEC F-23-A-01, Peugeot XUD-9 A/L, and power loss less than 2% in detergency test CEC F98-08, DW-10).
- Protects against corrosion in the engine power system (merit A/B++ in ASTM D 665A test).
- Reduces the tendency to foam formation (disappearance time less than 15 seconds in the NF 07-075 test), thus reducing splashing during refueling, facilitating complete tank filling, and decreasing operation time at gas stations. The improvement in ignition quality, injector cleaning, absence of corrosion, and good preservation of injection pumps induce positive effects on fuel economy, noise reduction, pollutant reduction, ease of starting, cold start, and, finally, smooth driving.
HQ400
It is a multifunctional additive developed for use in automotive gasoline. It is incorporated into the loading arm. It has improvement properties for the vehicle, including the following points:
- Prevents deposits formation on intake valves (maximum deposit accumulation – average of the four valves: 30 mg/valve in M-102E tests, CEC F-05-A-93, and M-111, CEC F-20-A-98). This level of cleanliness is achieved in both ethanol-free gasolines and those containing up to 10% V/V ethanol.
- Keeps injectors clean in both direct and indirect injection. Improved cleanliness in engine intake systems has positive effects on fuel economy, pollutant reduction, ease of starting, and smooth driving.
