Why Ethanol-Free Gas Is Better For Your Car
The use of ethanol in gasoline has a long and complex history in the United States. In 2005, the US government mandated that most of the gasoline sold in the country must contain a minimum of 10% ethanol.
This mandate was a response to concerns about oil dependence and climate change. However, it was also deeply controversial, especially since it seems likely to lower fuel mileage and could possibly damage engines.
Fuel Mileage
It has been widely accepted that ethanol-free gas gets better fuel economy. In fact, many studies have shown that ethanol-free gas can improve mileage by 3-4%.
The main reason for this is that ethanol is less energy dense than gasoline, meaning that you need to use more of it to get the same amount of power. As a result, your engine has to work harder to burn ethanol, leading to increased fuel consumption.
Engine Damage
Ethanol is renewable alcohol made from corn and other plant materials. It can be used in place of gasoline to power cars, trucks, and other vehicles.
While ethanol has some benefits, it can also damage engines if it is not used correctly. One way that ethanol can damage engines is by attracting water, thanks to the water-attracting properties of alcohol.
Water can enter the fuel system and cause corrosion. Additionally, water-contaminated fuel can lead to deposit buildups on engine parts. These deposits can reduce efficiency and cause engine failure.
Gasoline without ethanol is less likely to cause these problems, leading to a more efficient engine. This means generally fewer repairs are needed, and fuel mileage will likely be increased. and better mileage.
As a result, it is important to use ethanol-blended fuel only in engines that are designed to run on it. These engines are specifically designated as "flex-fuel" engines.
Otherwise, you may end up doing more harm than good.
Debatable Climate Benefits of Ethanol
In a recent study, Dr. John DeCicco of the University of Michigan Energy Institute argues that current policies promoting bioenergy are actually contributing to deforestation and other environmental damage.
According to DeCicco, producing bioenergy requires large amounts of land, which puts pressure on natural ecosystems. In addition, the process of clearing land for bioenergy production releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, negating any potential climate benefits.
Instead, DeCicco argues that the most efficient way to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels is to leave intact natural ecosystems that serve as carbon sinks.
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