What are the effects of using ethanol gasoline in regular cars?
2 Answers
The effects of using ethanol gasoline in regular cars include: 1. Increased fuel consumption: Since the calorific value of ethanol is about 33% lower than that of gasoline, the energy density of ethanol gasoline compared to pure gasoline decreases for the same volume; 2. Reduced power performance: Due to the lower calorific value of ethanol gasoline compared to pure gasoline, and the higher evaporation temperature of ethanol than gasoline, the slower vaporization speed during combustion affects the formation of the air-fuel mixture, ultimately leading to a decrease in power; 3. Difficult cold starts: Ethanol gasoline has a large latent heat of vaporization and absorbs more heat. During vaporization, it absorbs more heat from the surrounding environment, leading to a decrease in the working temperature inside the engine cylinder, making it difficult to start at low temperatures. In northern regions, the difficulty of cold starts is particularly noticeable; 4. Cleaning effect: Ethanol gasoline not only reduces vehicle emissions but also has a good cleaning effect, effectively eliminating the deposition and condensation of fuel impurities in the car's fuel tank and fuel system, providing excellent fuel system cleaning.
Using ethanol-blended gasoline in my regular car, I noticed the most immediate effect was a slight increase in fuel consumption, costing about five yuan more per 100 kilometers. However, there are also many benefits—the engine runs smoother, exhaust emissions are reduced, and it feels much more environmentally friendly. That said, long-term use requires attention to the fuel system, especially in older cars where seals or filters may be more susceptible to alcohol corrosion, leading to increased failure rates. I now regularly inspect the fuel pump and injectors, and maintenance costs haven’t changed much. Overall, it strikes a good balance between economy and environmental friendliness, making it suitable for daily commuting. I recommend everyone give it a try, especially if local fuel prices are affordable.
