What is the impact of ethanol gasoline on cars?

[VonGemma]

Ethanol gasoline has the following impacts on cars: 1. Reduced power performance. Since ethanol gasoline has a lower calorific value than pure gasoline and a higher evaporation temperature, its slower vaporization during combustion affects the formation of the air-fuel mixture, ultimately leading to decreased power output. 2. Difficulty in cold starts. Ethanol gasoline has a high latent heat of vaporization and absorbs more heat. During vaporization, it absorbs a significant amount of heat from the surrounding environment, which lowers the working temperature inside the engine cylinder, making it harder to start in cold conditions. 3. 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, particularly phenomena like gum formation, providing good fuel system cleaning and unclogging effects.

[DiLucy]

As a veteran driver with fifteen years of experience, I've been using ethanol-blended gasoline for four or five years. The most noticeable change is the increased fuel consumption. Previously, a full tank could take me 500 kilometers, but now the low-fuel light comes on at around 470-480 kilometers. This isn't due to poor fuel quality but rather because ethanol has a lower heat value than gasoline. When running the air conditioner or climbing hills, I need to press the accelerator a bit more than before. The upside is its excellent cleaning properties. In the past, I had to specifically clean severe engine carbon buildup, but now the carbon deposit issue has significantly improved. However, older cars might struggle with it—my 2005 Jetta once had fuel line leaks, which the mechanic attributed to ethanol corroding the rubber components. If you're driving a newer car from recent years with a plastic fuel tank, there's no need to worry. Just avoid leaving the car unused for extended periods, as ethanol absorbs moisture and turns into water, which could eventually rust through the tank. Regularly checking the fuel filter is also crucial, since ethanol washes out impurities from the tank, causing the filter to clog faster.

[ZoeyFitz]

During car repairs, vehicles frequently encounter issues caused by ethanol-blended gasoline, which can be categorized into three main types. First is fuel system corrosion, where ethanol triggers electrochemical reactions on metal components of the fuel pump, especially in vehicles over five years old. Rust particles are often found at the bottom of the fuel tank, leading to fuel pump damage. Second is rubber component deformation, such as the fuel inlet hose in carburetor-equipped older cars, which can swell and become sticky when soaked in ethanol, causing minor leaks. In severe cases, the cabin may fill with gasoline fumes. Third and most hidden is the moisture issue. In summer, humid underground garages can cause ethanol in the fuel tank to absorb water and separate, making engine starting difficult. It is recommended that owners replace the gasoline filter every 20,000 kilometers, and older vehicles should preferably switch to silicone-based ethanol-resistant fuel lines. Another tip is to avoid mixing different batches of ethanol-blended gasoline whenever possible, as ethanol content varies by region, and suddenly switching to a higher concentration may dislodge more sludge. If cold starting difficulties or idle shaking are noticed, immediately check if the spark plugs are affected by ethanol moisture.

[Jared]

From an environmental perspective, ethanol-blended gasoline is actually a double-edged sword. The positive effects are evident: its higher oxygen content enables more complete combustion, reducing carbon monoxide emissions by 30% compared to pure gasoline, which helps improve urban air quality. Moreover, ethanol is extracted from renewable sources like corn stalks, making it superior to total reliance on petroleum. However, the downside is its strong corrosive effect on metals and rubber—older vehicles used for over five years might require entire fuel system replacements, ironically generating more scrapped parts. Additionally, ethanol production is quite energy-intensive: growing corn requires fertilizers and pesticides, and processing consumes coal, meaning its full lifecycle carbon emissions may not be significantly lower than petroleum. Personally, I recommend environmentalists prioritize electric vehicles. If ethanol fuel is unavoidable, it's best to choose newer car models, as many manufacturers now apply surface passivation treatments to fuel systems to reduce corrosion. Older vehicles should avoid modifications. It's also crucial to drive at least 300 kilometers monthly to prevent moisture buildup.