BP has embarked on a national awareness campaign aimed at educating motorists about fuel, following a survey conducted by the petroleum company that showed many motorists are filling up with the wrong fuel, particularly when it comes to Lead Replacement Petrol (LRP). Less than 5% of SA’s cars require LRP but about 40% of motorists still use the fuel.
LRP costs exactly the same as unleaded petrol and most cars, even some manufactured prior to 1996 actually show improved performance when using unleaded petrol. Most engines manufactured in the early 90s can use unleaded petrol without any modification, provided they don’t do high mileage at high speed. The biggest issue for older vehicles using unleaded fuel is the possible hardening of valve seats. In 2002, BP was the first to launch an environmentally-friendly lead substitute, potassium in its LRP, as part of the company’s cleaner fuels agenda, which forms a protective layer over softer valve seats preventing erosion or damage. There is currently no legislation that requires service stations to supply LRP and government has no official stance on the fuel, but due to declining demand in certain areas of the country, BP has taken the decision to start phasing out the fuel. The removal of LRP will be done gradually starting at areas where the demand has reduced significantly.
To find out which fuel is best for your car contact BP’s call centre on 0860 222 166 or visit the National Association of Automobile Manufactures of South Africa’s website, www.naamsa.co.za and click to view the fuel compatibility chart.
Thabazimbi News l Nuus
