Redex – a History of Engine Health

A motoring institution, Redex has been a part of driving history for decades – helping motorists extend the life of their car’s engine, for an all-round better drive. Our products have adapted to the changing landscape of engine manufacturing, ensuring that, no matter how advanced the technology, our fuel additives and system cleaners continue to deliver the results and benefits our customers expect.

But when does the Redex story begin? And for how long have motorists been interested in the idea of improving and extending their engine’s performance? To find out, we’re taking a look at the fascinating history of Redex and how engine health became an important facet of car maintenance for many drivers.

The Redex Story: How Fuel Additives Came to the Fore

The invention of the internal combustion engine as we know it was a turning point for the world, leading to the development of cars and a form of fast personal transportation. Throughout history, enterprising people have designed engines of one form or another to make work and movement easier, but it was when commercial drilling of petrol began in the 1850s that the internal combustion engine became widely used.

Since the early days of fuel combustion, drivers and engineers have known that certain additives can help engines to work better. Deposits build up inside the engine and on carburettors – or these days, on fuel injectors – leading to an inefficient use of fuel. Other problems like loss of power and increased emissions can be helped by using the right additives.

This is why Redex was set up all the way back in 1922, to help keep engines running for longer. Over the years, Redex became established as part of a good car maintenance routine – particularly during the 1970s, when you could buy a shot of Redex at filling stations. When you filled your car, you could ask for a “penny a shot”, and the Redex would be poured from a red can directly into your tank to keep your engine healthy.

Throughout the second half of the 20^th century, it became clear that leaded fuels were contributing to serious health problems and air pollution. Catalytic converters were added to cars, and in 1986, unleaded petrol was introduced in the UK.

By 2000, leaded petrol could no longer be purchased at the pump. For some, this created a worry. If you had an older car which was built to take leaded petrol, could you safely use unleaded? Redex, again, found a solution to help those with older cars to care for their engines – Redex Lead Replacement.

Back in 2015, we combined our Treatment and Injector Cleaner products into one easy to use fuel additive: System Cleaner, for diesel or petrol. It draws on Redex’s decades of experience in engine care, to create one simple additive which helps you to save fuel and keep driving for longer, just as we always have done.

The Engine Health Timeline

It’s been almost a century since we introduced our first fuel additives, and over the years, we’ve continued to develop products to respond to the changes in engines and car technology. In the interactive timeline below, you can explore the key milestones in the Redex story – from starting out in 1922 to the release of our new hybrid engine cleaners, almost a century on.

What the Future Holds for Redex and Engine Health

At Redex, we’re committed to helping our customers enjoy a better drive, and will continue to develop simple, cost-effective fuel additives and engine fluids which meet the needs of modern driving. Our in-house development team are constantly looking for new ways to improve our products and ensure full compatibility with advanced engine technology, so no matter what car you drive, you can always feel the benefit of Redex.

Looking for more motoring guides and features? Be sure to read the Redex blog for how-tos and advice, or join the Redex Club Facebook group to join the conversation. For our full product range and information, visit the Redex homepage.