What Are the Effects of Ethanol Gasoline on Cars?
2 Answers
Ethanol gasoline has the following effects on cars: 1. Increased fuel consumption: Since the calorific value of ethanol is about 33% lower than that of gasoline, the energy density of ethanol gasoline of the same volume is reduced compared to pure gasoline; 2. Decreased power performance: Due to its lower calorific value compared to pure gasoline and the fact that ethanol's evaporation temperature is higher than that of gasoline, the slower vaporization speed during combustion affects the formation of the air-fuel mixture, ultimately leading to a decrease in power; 3. Difficulty in cold starts: Ethanol gasoline has a high latent heat of vaporization and absorbs more heat during vaporization, which lowers the working temperature inside the engine cylinder, making it harder to start in cold conditions. This issue is particularly noticeable in northern regions; 4. Cleaning effect: Ethanol gasoline not only reduces vehicle emissions but also has excellent cleaning properties. It effectively removes deposits and condensation of fuel impurities in the fuel tank and fuel system (especially gum and gelation phenomena), providing good fuel system cleaning.
As someone who frequently drives long distances, I've been using ethanol-blended gasoline for many years. E10 does increase fuel consumption slightly, for example, my small car went from 6 liters per 100 kilometers to 6.3 liters. The power feels smoother but acceleration is a bit slower. Older cars need extra care—my friend's old Santana had fuel pump corrosion and leaks after use, said to be caused by ethanol damaging the rubber lines; newer cars are fine, my Hyundai model runs safely and is more environmentally friendly. Always make sure to fill up at reputable gas stations and avoid mixing in random additives. Cold starts in winter aren't an issue. Overall, it's acceptable but don't expect to save money. Regular car checks to prevent trouble are key.
