Can Eucalyptus Oil Save Fuel? Expert Explains.

SOLO, KOMPAS.com - Motor vehicle owners employ various methods to reduce fuel consumption. One practice frequently used is mixing eucalyptus oil with Pertalite. However, there is currently no certainty about the long-term impact on the reliability and health of the engine. Jayan Sentanuhady, a lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in Yogyakarta, says the common method to improve engine performance or save fuel is to improve the air–fuel mixing. He says using eucalyptus oil as a blend with Pertalite relates to the principle of surfactants. A surfactant is a liquid that can improve the physical characteristics of the injection process, such as lowering surface tension and viscosity. “From my view, there is nothing wrong with the research. The research is legitimate because it is research. But the public should not be too hasty in interpreting this research,” he said. Nevertheless, Jayan stressed that mixing eucalyptus oil with Pertalite still requires further research to determine its effects on the engine. “I don’t know whether it’s safe or not. But we should return to the manufacturer’s recommendations. My advice is that the public should not undertake actions that are not recommended by the manufacturers,” said Jayan. “Because manufacturers have conducted long-standing research. The effects are not only immediate — ‘Oh, performance improves’ — but the long-term effects are unknown,” he added.