Castrol has developed an emergency fuel which is safer to carry around than a
can of petrol but will start and run a car in an emergency (GB 2352451). The
fuel comes in two components. The main one is a mixture of 70 per cent paraffin
and 30 per cent naphthane, which has a much higher flashpoint than petrol. On
its own, this cannot start an engine, but when mixed with a small amount of
butyl peroxide it can start an engine from cold. Castrol tested the idea with a
1997 Buick Riviera, draining the tank and engine dry, letting the engine go
cold, and adding a gallon of the emergency mix. The engine obediently sprang to
life.
More from ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Technology
Why a Ukrainian cruise missile is flying with hobby drone hardware
News
Technology
Stealth drone spins so fast that it disappears
News
Technology
The US-China AI arms race has taken an unexpected turn
News
Technology
Peter Shor’s algorithm could break the internet – but he’s not worried
News
Popular articles
Trending ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ articles