EPS Fuel Saver

As petrol price increased to RM1.62 in 2005, along the increased in toll rates, it didn't take long to feel the impact on these increases on my pocket. At that time my car was fetching about averagely 12.5km/l in fuel consumption, which was fairly efficient. And RM50 was usually enough to last me up to 500km which can easily cover up to 4 to 5 days of travelling.

I knew petrol price would continue to rise due to the prolonged oil crisis issue, I reckon it was wise to seek out for devices that can help improve my car's fuel efficiency. While pursuing this task, I had to be look for something that doesn't require much alteration to my car, as I didn't want to void the warranty.

It didn't take me long to source for one, as many stores were displaying their fuel saving products as it was a hot topic during that time. ACE Hardware in Mid-Valley was displaying their fuel saver product at their store entrance. The product cost RM238 and it is supposed to be mounted onto a fuel line tube and no further maintenance required. It sounds really good and simple.

The product had good review by NST reporter. I thought it should work for my car, as this product was tested on many popular models that runs on fuel injection. According to the test it can improve averagely by 15% of fuel savings. I reasoned in my mind that if I can reap half the benefit, I would be able to recover the cost within a year's time. I purchased it.

After I installed it at the fuel line, I noticed my idle engine speed increased by about 500 to 700 rpm. I had to recalibrate the throttle in order to re-adjust the idle speed to the recommended speed. The improvements enable me to run additional 40km per full tank, that makes out a 8% increased in fuel efficiency. I was satisfied with the result.

The thing that baffles me is that if this works, then why didn't OEM car makers incorporate this devices into their cars? Well I don't really have the answer at the moment. However I suspect that since there is no incentives for OEM manufacturers to install such device therefore excluding this device won't harm their profits and sales revenue.

Anyway if you wish to learn how this product works, you may visit http://www.ep-systems.co.uk/fs/fsfaq.htm

Nanotech - Fuel Additives

One of the early things that I did that I felt would not compromise on my car's warranty was to add fuel additives using Nanotech. It is an additive that breaksdown hydrocarbon molecules into smaller clusters, as illustrated in diagram below, therefore enable more complete combustion.

I noticed after I started using Nanotech, my engine runs smoother. The improvement was very obvious, because I didn't notice deterioration of fuel efficiency though my engine mileage was near for next oil change. Without this additive, I would experience drop in fuel efficiencies at 8,000km onwards since last synthetic engine oil change.

However when I started this treatment, it feels like running on new engine oil though at 8,000km since last oil change. I was getting additional 40km per full tank. Averagely I got about 660km per full tank. This was enormous improvement, using original spark plugs and Toyota Synthetic Engine Oil.

The only downside is that I have to endure the hassle of adding 10 ml of additives for each full tank fill. But I soon got used to it, and I didn't mind the trouble as its benefits outweight the extra work. After experiencing the improvements, I decided to stretch my engine oil change for additional 3,000 to 5,000km. I reckon that with this Nanotech, my engine combustion would be much cleaner thus extend the engine oil life (due to lower oxidation).

Just to make sure that the engine oil retains its lubrication properties, I also add about 100ml of Tufoil Engine Treatment for better lubrication. Problem with this treatment oil is that its effect last up to about 5,000km, therefore I only add Tufoil after the engine run on new oil change for 10,000km. Well my main objective is to extend the engine oil life so I save on maintenance.

I don't think this is best solution, as it would be better to use a good engine oil that can maintain the same lubrication properties for up to 15,000km and beyond. Unfortunately I was still sending my car to UMW Service Center for oil change, therefore do not have the liberty to choose other engine oil brands. The practical method to extend engine oil life was to rely on additives and oil treatments.