What is driving the rise in additives?

Kalimex reveals what is driving the rise in additives and why trade customers are reaching for them more than ever. From delayed servicing to stricter emissions standards, drivers are looking for ways to keep vehicles running efficiently, pass MOTs and reduce their environmental footprint.

You hold the cards when it comes to recommending trade customers the products you consider best in class. That same goes for motorists, often faced with too much choice, but little idea which product to choose, according to Kalimex.

Kalimex is the sole UK distributor of JLM Lubricants’ range, and in the last 12 months, it says there has been a rise in demand from motor factors for products within the portfolio. The company puts this down to workshops wanting products that reduce emissions, do the job when servicing a vehicle or need something to assist a vehicle pass its MOT.

These products are a good repeat purchase, explains Kalimex Managing Director, Mike Schlup, who says trade customers buy in big numbers.

Mike told PMF: “Technicians are now actively promoting our emission-reducing products for many reasons, including being socially responsible and reducing the requirement for new parts.”

Mike cited 2025 research from York University that found that passenger cars with left-side exhausts – common in the UK – contribute 40% higher pollution concentrations at the kerbside.

Furthermore, DEFRA says traffic congestion, stop/start driving, road gradient and driving style can have a significant impact on emissions.

Mike continued: “Naturally, to meet Euro standards, technologies like DPFs were created to reduce regulated pollutants – but a DPF can quickly become blocked, even damaged beyond repair, if driving style and driving conditions are less than optimal for DPF health.

“You have an important role to play when advising customers of the additives they should use at the first sign of a DPF becoming blocked or simply to maintain it in good health. The same applies when talking to customers about products designed to reduce harmful emissions and how they can do their bit, beyond buying the best additives.

“Of course, buying the right products is crucial – no-one wants to buy twice. If motor factors can educate their customers that doing their bit for the environment can be accomplished with, for example, a few changes in driving style, it all adds up to a much healthier environmental picture.”

Why fleet operations still love diesel

Kalimex says fleet operators are potentially profitable customers, given there remains a healthy demand for using products over parts, wherever possible.

Mike continued: “The very nature of the vehicle fleet means that operators are maintaining vehicles with a range of different exhaust control technologies. Between 1990 and 2015, we saw a spike in demand from fleet operators for diesel vehicles. Whilst we are seeing a rise in hybrid and electric vehicles from fleet operators, many are holding on to their trusty diesel vehicles with a firm focus on servicing, prevention and maintenance.

“We know from speaking to our motor factors that the potential for selling premium additives to fleet operators is huge. Anecdotally, we have seen this with our home-grown product, K-Seal Permanent Coolant Leak Repair.

“There’s a reason why it is a number one bestseller in the USA, growing by 7% in the last year alone, in a shrinking market: Motor factors – or counter men as they’re called in America – sell carton loads to technicians. But back to emissions, and it is no coincidence that with JLM Lubricants, we’re offering motor factors a product range devoted to exhausts and emissions – with each high-margin product developed for the trade and tested by the trade, before placed in the hands of motor factors.”

Service decline leading to factor sales

Multiple surveys suggest that a substantial minority of motorists in the UK are delaying servicing or reducing how often they maintain their vehicles in an effort to save money. Kalimex believes this is a false economy and organisations, including Motor Ombudsman Bureau, are making a rallying cry for motorists not to neglect their vehicle.

“Every cloud has a silver lining,” said Mike. “In this case, there is a real opportunity to promote additives that can keep a customer’s vehicle in good condition and on the road for longer.

“Grouping several products from the same brand will grab the attention of those customers that may be avoiding having their vehicle serviced but nevertheless they want to keep it in as good a shape as possible. We’ve seen how customers will be willing to spend upwards of £100 on additives if the tangible benefits are explained.”

The JLM Lubricants product bundles

Petrol Pre Test Emission Fix: A dedicated formula for the entire fuel and emissions system. Designed to reduce emissions, improve fuel consumption and prevent MOT failure.

Petrol Fuel System Cleaner: Cleans the fuel system and intake system on all old and new petrol engines, including flex-fuel and E10 engines. Meant to improve power, performance and reduce harmful exhaust gases.

Diesel Pre Test Emission Fix: A dedicated formula for the entire fuel system designed to improve emissions. Also contains Cerium to promote DPF regeneration and a Cetane booster to help performance and economy.

Diesel Particulate Filter Cleaner: Use both Cerium and Platinum to help burn trapped soot at a lower temperature, protecting the DPF core, extending DPF life and producing less ash.

Diesel Fuel System Cleaner: Cleans the entire fuel system, including the intake valves and injectors. The formula is intended to reduce soot deposits in the DPF and improve power and consumption.