New Petronas Primax Petrol Introduced

New Petronas Primax Petrol Introduced

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Petronas today launched a newly formulated Primax petrol which has a Friction Modifier in it. While it is not entirely certain if other companies may also have a friction modifier in their formulations, Petronas claims that their component is ‘unique’ and therefore ‘first of its kind in Malaysia’.

With the Friction Modifier (FM), there is said to be reduced friction between piston rings and the cylinder wall, enabling improvements in output due to less losses through friction (30% of potential energy is lost due to friction). This, in turn, should mean smoother and quicker acceleration, easier start-ups from cold and also better fuel economy.

The result of a 2-year development program, the new Primax petrol – which still has a RON of 97 – is suitable for all engines (except, of course, diesels!) and should offer benefits in the form of savings on running costs. This is perhaps timely considering that fuel prices have just gone up again, albeit by one sen for petrol.

The new Primax also has a revised and upgraded additive package which provides all the important functions of keeping the engine clean, preventing rust formation and also a demulsifier.

The new formulation is said to clean the engine more effectively, removing carbon deposits from most of the fuel delivery system and also in the combustion chambers. The cleaner surfaces are then protected from rusting by a corrosion inhibitor. It should be noted that while high-quality engine oils also contain various additives with similar functions, engine oil looks after the areas below the piston; areas above the piston require a good additive package in petrol to be kept clean.

High quality base fuel is used and blended with the proprietary package of additives at Petronas’ plant in Melaka. The quality of the fuel is very high and, according to Md Abdul Jabar Hashim, Manager of Petronas’ Lube & Fuel Technical Services Department, Primax petrol has been tested by Mitsubishi Motors and found to be highly suitable for use with its advanced GDI engine. The GDI engine is known to be sensitive to fuel quality and is affected by deposits, hence the need for very clean fuel.

Thorough testing of the new Primax took place in Europe using Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot and Renault engines and the tests were carried out in independent laboratories. The well-known Southwest research Institute in the USA also carried out tests and in all cases, fuel economy improvements of up to 5% (compared to the Primax with the previous formulation) were obtained. At the same time, toxic components in exhaust gases have been reduced by up to 30%. While the new petrol is clearly suitable for all kinds of engines, its specifications satisfy the tough standards set by Proton as well as manufacturers internationally.

Because engines vary in terms of condition and tuning, different motorists will experience the improvements differently. Older engines with more carbon deposits may not seem to offer zippy performance right away. However, Encik Md Abdul Jabar is confident that after a short time of motoring and using the new Primax, motorists should experience better performance in some way.

“It depends on the engine and also the fuel delivery system. With engines having fuel injection, the improved performance can be felt faster as the new additives will clean off the deposits in the small injectors within a short while and enable a more optimized spray of fuel into the combustion chambers,” he explained.

He revealed that the new Primax is more expensive to produce than the previous one. However, the extra cost of production is not being passed on to consumers and is considered something that has to be spent for the ‘competitive edge’.

Concerning developments in diesel fuel, he said that Petronas is definitely working on something for the near future. The company is having discussions with government authorities on the issue of upgrading diesel formulations, especially in the area of lowering sulphur content, and is also conducting studies into the number of vehicles and the emission control standards their engines are at.

“It is true that there is a slight difference in the diesel fuel available in Malaysia and that in Singapore and Thailand, but it should also be noted that the fuels in those countries also cost more,” explained Encik Md Abdul Jabar. “The industry is working with the government on addressing the issues about diesel fuel but we must also take into consideration the required investments if the fuel is to be upgraded.”

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