Some time ago, we reported that the Jatropha plant – from which biodiesel is extracted – can be extremely harmful for human beings. Now, according to some reports from the UK (where the law says all diesel sold in the country must be blended with eco-friendly fuel), biofuel could also wreck your car’s engine.
If not cleaned properly and regularly, vegetable- or wheat-based biofuel reservoirs are said to be breeding grounds for bacteria, due to which the fuel is easily contaminated. And when this contaminated fuel is used in cars, it ends up clogging engines, blocking fuel filters and damaging fuel injectors. All of this can cause a car to break down without warning.
In the UK at least, the problem is set to get worse – while current legal requirements mandate that diesel must contain 2.5% biofuel, this will be upped to 5% in the year 2010. Looks like fuel pump operators will just have to get used to more frequent and rigourous cleaning sessions…
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Biofuel could wreck your car’s engine!
