Bajaj's R&D Engineers: Spend 80/100 Rupees Extra Per Tank-Up To Protect Bike From E20 Petrol
A number of two-wheeler and four-wheeler owners have been complaining about issues after using E20 fuel in their vehicles. As a result, a few automakers have stepped forward to help these owners. Of these, one is Bajaj Auto, which is one of the largest two-wheeler manufacturers in India. Recently, its research and development experts stated that BS3 and older motorcycles from Bajaj, which are at risk when running on E20 fuel, can be saved by using 40 ml of fuel system cleaner per full tank, which will cost around Rs 80–100 each time.
Bajaj R&D experts give solution to E20 fuel usage for older vehicles
According to the R&D experts from Bajaj Auto, owners of older Bajaj two-wheelers are recommended to add 40 ml of fuel system cleaner every time they fully refill the fuel tank. This cleaner is readily available at fuel pumps and service stations across the country. Each time, the vehicle owner will have to bear the cost of around Rs 80–100.
Bajaj Auto engineers have explained that ethanol has a hygroscopic property, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. As a result, corrosion takes place inside the fuel system. Also, gum and sticky deposits form inside the combustion chamber, causing damage to rubber seals, gaskets, and butterfly valves in carburettors and throttle bodies.
Impact of this fuel system cleaner cost on vehicle owners
If this fuel system cleaner is not added by two-wheeler and four-wheeler owners, they will witness faster wear and tear, breakdowns, and costly repairs. Now, coming to the cost calculations for two-wheeler owners, an average Indian commuter bike fuel tank holds around 10–12 litres. So, one full tank requires one dose of fuel system cleaner, which costs around Rs 80–100.
Most bikers in India refill their vehicles once a week or sometimes more. So, if a commuter refills their fuel tank weekly, they will have to spend around Rs 320 to Rs 400 per month. Annually, the cost comes to around Rs 3,600 to Rs 4,800 extra. Over a five-year period, the cost comes out to about Rs 18,000–24,000, which is money just spent to keep their bike safe.
To many, it may not seem like a big deal. However, for middle-class bike commuters, this hidden cost is significant. Most of the Indian middle class depends on two-wheelers for their commute, and this cost could increase depending on the usage. For example, a delivery rider could easily spend over Rs 30,000, as he refills his vehicle more often.
Car owners
Coming to car owners, as petrol-powered cars generally have a fuel tank of around 40–50 litres, they will require four times the fuel system cleaner compared to a bike. Now, most car owners do not refill their fuel tanks weekly but usually once or twice a month. So, the cost for fuel system cleaner alone, at one refill a month, comes to around Rs 4,800 to Rs 6,000 a year.
As for two refills a month, the cost comes to around Rs 9,600–12,000 per year. So, over 5–7 years, the ownership cost gets bumped by Rs 50,000 to Rs 90,000, which is also very significant. Even if it is assumed that the vehicle is lightly used, the five-year cost still comes out to about Rs 25,000–30,000, which again is a hidden cost that many car owners might not be prepared to shell out.