How to Protect a Petrol Fuel System From E20 Deposits and Moisture

E20 petrol changes the conditions inside a vehicle's fuel system. Ethanol can attract moisture, loosen old varnish from tanks and lines, and carry that contamination towards injector or carburettor passages. Preventive care is especially useful for older bikes and petrol cars designed during the E5 or E10 era.

Keep the tank and fuel system clean

Deposits at an injector tip or inside a carburettor passage can disturb the fuel spray pattern. A petrol additive with detergent chemistry is intended to help remove those deposits while the vehicle is driven normally. It cannot repair a worn injector, weak pump or damaged seal, so persistent symptoms still need a mechanic.

Reduce moisture-related risk

Ethanol is hygroscopic, which means it can absorb moisture. Corrosion inhibitors in a petrol additive help protect metal surfaces in the tank, pump and injector system. Keeping the fuel cap seal in good condition and avoiding long storage with very little fuel also helps.

Support fuel-pump and injector lubricity

The fuel pump and injectors depend partly on petrol for cooling and lubrication. A purpose-formulated petrol additive can provide lubricity support while the fuel moves through the system.

Use the correct product and dosage

• Use only a product labelled for petrol and the ethanol blend in your vehicle.
• Follow the dosage printed on the bottle — more additive is not automatically better.
• Do not use a petrol additive in a diesel tank.
• Follow the vehicle manufacturer's approved-fuel and maintenance guidance.
• Treat additives as preventive care, not a substitute for mechanical repairs.

Where Atomax fits

Atomax Fuel System Cleaner is a petrol additive designed for E20 and E30 fuel. The 100ml bottle treats up to 40 litres, while the 250ml bottle treats up to 100 litres.