We humans tend to think of haze as something that makes us cough, reach for a face mask and complain about the government. But there is another group of victims quietly sucking in the same filthy air, our cars.
And unlike us, they don’t have the option of staying indoors with Netflix.
The recent Malaysian haze has produced some seriously unpleasant Air Pollutant Index readings. While Kuala Lumpur itself did not quite reach the hazardous 300-plus level yesterday, air quality was nevertheless firmly into the unhealthy territory. Across Malaysia, however, some locations have experienced much worse conditions. (The Star)
So, what happens when an engine spends its day breathing polluted air?
Fortunately, modern engines have an air filter, which is rather important. It catches much of the dirt before it reaches the engine. But it isn’t a magical force field. Fine particles can get through, particularly when filters are dirty, poorly fitted or operating under heavily contaminated conditions.
And some of those particles are extremely hard stuff. Research has shown that mineral dust entering an engine can accelerate abrasive wear of piston rings, cylinders and other components. (MDPI)
Then there is the less obvious problem: deposits.
The throttle body is responsible for controlling the amount of air entering the engine. Deposits can accumulate around the throttle plate and bore, affecting airflow and potentially producing rough running, poor response and idle problems. Research into electronic throttle bodies has found deposits consisting of a mixture of engine oil, fuel-related material and inorganic matter. (Sage Journals)
This where the Big Red X throttle body cleaner comes in. Scientifically proven and approved by a number of leading manufacturers to restore the throttle body to an as new condition.
And inside the engine, the story gets even uglier.
Carbon deposits can accumulate around pistons, valves and the combustion chamber. Modern direct-injection engines can be particularly susceptible to intake-valve deposits, with research linking them to deteriorating combustion and unstable operation. (SAE Mobilus)
So perhaps while we’re worrying about what the haze is doing to our lungs, we should spare a thought for the poor engine.
This is where X-1R 5-in-1 Petrol Decarboniser has a useful role to play. X-1R specifically states that its formulation is designed to clean the throttle body and combustion chamber and remove carbon deposits, while also cleaning injectors and controlling further deposit formation. (X-1R Asia)
In other words, when Malaysia’s atmosphere decides to serve up a cocktail of smoke, dust and microscopic nastiness, your engine doesn’t have to swallow it indefinitely.
After all, if your car is going to breathe Malaysian air, perhaps it deserves a little help clearing its throat.
