A term that most car drivers will be familiar with, but one that is often difficult to explain to them, is "additives". The dictionary definition of an additive is a supplementary ingredient which improves a chemical substance. Although this is fundamentally correct, additives in the automotive sector are actually meant to do much more. On the one hand, they are intended to enhance the positive properties of base oils, and on the other hand reduce or suppress undesirable properties. Additives can moreover be used if characteristics that are an essential part of the lubricating process are not present in the base oil but need to be achieved.
In day-to-day use, a distinction is made between fuel additives and oil additives.
Fuel additives for spark-ignition and diesel engines
Every combustion process inside an engine leaves behind tiny particles of soot. These deposits accumulate in combustion chambers, on injectors and valves, and on the nozzle needles of diesel engines. They consequently impair the engine's performance and inflate fuel consumption. On diesel engines, they promote "pinking". The results are soot emissions and higher pollution loads.
On carburettor engines, the regular use of fuel additives cleans the combustion chambers, and on engines with fuel injection systems they clean all injection systems. On both types of engine, they help to keep the valves clean. On diesel engines, in addition to promoting cleanliness they improve the ignition performance, the foaming behaviour and the lubricating effect of injection pumps.
By optimising the combustion process in this way, they boost engine performance, reduce fuel consumption and contribute towards a cleaner environment.
Fuel additives can be used both to remove residues and to prevent new deposits from forming.
Engine and gear oil additives
Every engine gradually wears, mile after mile, as a result of friction; the more pronounced this effect, the shorter its operating life. Fine abraded particles in the engine oil are proof of this wear. When examined under a microscope, it transpires that the metal surfaces are rough, not smooth.
Engine oil additives deposit a lubricating film on the metal surfaces, to smooth out these irregularities. MoS2 (molybdenum sulphide), a high-performance lubricant that prevents metal making contact with metal in the mixture , is often used in the mixture preparation zone. Molybdenum sulphide forms an ultra-thin coating on the surface of the metal, without influencing the properties of the oil in any way. This reduces frictional resistance and wear.
When added to gear oils, gear oil additives help to smooth out the tooth faces even of older transmissions. The benefits are quieter running, smoother gearshifts and a longer operating life of the transmission.
Just a few convincing arguments are usually enough to persuade your customers of the value of additives, whether you work in the shop area or in the workshop. The important thing is first to listen to the customer, and then to be in a position to propose a solution. If for instance a customer says he is driving down to the Mediterranean on holiday, point out to him that the standard of fuel there is poorer, and recommend an additive that keeps the valves clean in particular. Provided you explain how to use this fuel enhancer and how it works, you will almost certainly have won another satisfied customer who, from now on, will treat internal engine care as a top priority.
The same applies when selling all other additives. Provided the sales assistant gives customers a degree of advice and help before they choose a product, additives will become their own best advertisement!
Keywords for fuel additives
· Clean valves
· Original engine output
· Lower fuel consumption
· Protection against corrosion
· Lower pollutant emissions
· Less pinking (of diesel engines)
Keywords for oil additives
· Up to 50 % less wear in engine
· Reduced oil and fuel consumption
· Longer operating life of engine
· Limp-home properties
Sources: Liqui Moly GmbH, Ulm