A new additive series tailored to the needs of multipurpose vans, known in South Africa as ‘bakkies’, has been developed specifically for the local market.

The Bakkie Series Additive range from Liqui Moly focuses on cleaning and protecting fuel systems and engines, with the objective of saving fuel, boosting engine performance and protecting the environment. It includes a Bakkie Series Complete Fuel System Cleaner, Complete Diesel System Cleaner and an Oil Treatment, supplied in 500 ml cans colour-coded blue for petrol and red for diesel.

The company explains that deposits are created inside a vehicle’s engine as it is driven and that  keeping an engine and fuelling system clean can ensure optimal performance, lower fuel and oil consumption and reduced emissions. “Protecting the engine from wear will give it a longer life. Overall, using these additives will save you money, take care of your vehicle from the inside, maximise performance and protect the environment,” asserts Liqui Moly SA director Melicia Labuschagne.

Labuschagne highlights that bakkies are usually driven differently to how 4 x 4 vehicles are driven, for example using higher revs on a 4 x 4 trail or when moving a large load, requiring peak engine performance at all times. “Over time, fuel consumption increases and performance decreases. These are the alarm bells that show you the fuel system is getting dirty and it’s time to use an additive that not only removes these deposits on the injector nozzles, intake valves, spark plugs, and combustion chambers, but prevents new ones forming. The Bakkie Series gets to the core of the problem.”

The Bakkie Series Complete Fuel System Cleaner is designed to remove deposits and improve petrol quality by increasing octane level, preventing the onset of knock, or ‘pinging’, a potentially catastrophic condition where fuel ignites spontaneously.

“The higher the octane number, the better the quality of the fuel, which means more efficiency, lower fuel consumption and fewer emissions. The additive eliminates starting problems and reduces noise, while caring for all parts of the injection system and protecting it against corrosion,” adds Labuschagne.

The diesel equivalent product boosts the cetane number, optimises the combustion process and restores performance. “Ignition timing is critical in diesel vehicles and Complete removes deposits on injector nozzles and in the combustion chamber. The additive also protects your diesel tank from water and impurities that can cause rust. For example, if you’re at an outlying fuel station or there have been large temperature variations, you may end up with water in your tank from contaminated fuel. The additive will clean and protect your fuel system.”

The Bakkie Series Oil Treatment offers a higher concentration of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) than the other ranges. Liqui Moly explains that MoS2 forms a highly-resistant lubricating film on all surfaces, which reduces friction and resultant engine wear. Quieter running, reduced oil and fuel consumption and extended engine life are other benefits.

In addition, the company highlights that harmful metals, such as manganese or products that could damage catalytic converters, are not added to the products in its range. The diesel additives have also been tested on common-rail fuel injection systems used in some 4 x 4 vehicles. It recommends using the additives every 2 000 km, or if problems such as uneven idling, poor engine performance or excessive exhaust smoke are noted. Liqui Moly also emphasises that the older the bakkie and the higher the mileage, the greater the effect of the additives.