Is it a good idea to buy a flex fuel?
As the automotive industry evolves, many consumers are considering the benefits of flex fuel vehicles (FFVs). These vehicles can run on gasoline or a blend of gasoline and ethanol, offering a more environmentally friendly option. In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a flex fuel vehicle to help you make an informed decision.
What is a Flex Fuel Vehicle?
A flex fuel vehicle is designed to operate on multiple fuel types, primarily gasoline and ethanol blends, such as E85, which contains up to 85% ethanol. This flexibility allows drivers to choose the fuel that best suits their needs and availability.
Advantages of Flex Fuel Vehicles
- Environmental Benefits: Ethanol is a renewable resource, and using it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional gasoline.
- Fuel Cost Savings: In some regions, E85 is often cheaper than regular gasoline, which can lead to savings at the pump.
- Increased Energy Independence: By using domestically produced ethanol, flex fuel vehicles can help reduce reliance on foreign oil.
- Performance: Many drivers report that flex fuel vehicles perform well, with some even experiencing improved horsepower when using E85.
Disadvantages of Flex Fuel Vehicles
- Availability of Fuel: E85 is not available at all gas stations, which can limit your options depending on your location.
- Fuel Economy: Flex fuel vehicles may experience lower fuel economy when running on E85 compared to gasoline, as ethanol has a lower energy content.
- Potential Engine Wear: Some experts suggest that using high ethanol blends may lead to increased wear on certain engine components over time.
- Higher Initial Cost: Flex fuel vehicles can sometimes be more expensive than their gasoline-only counterparts, which may deter some buyers.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to purchase a flex fuel vehicle depends on your individual needs and circumstances. If you are environmentally conscious and have access to E85 fuel, a flex fuel vehicle could be a great option. However, if fuel availability and potential engine wear are concerns for you, it may be worth considering other vehicle types. Ultimately, understanding the pros and cons will help you make the best choice for your driving habits and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will flex-fuel damage my engine?
The short answer is no. E85 has been tested and certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in FFVs, which means that it is approved for safe use in these vehicles. In fact, many experts believe that using E85 can actually provide better performance than regular gasoline in certain models of FFVs.
How long will a flex fuel engine last?
Plenty of people run flex fuel vehicles or properly converted vehicles on E85 for hundreds of thousands of miles with no ethanol related failures. It can severely shorten the life of the fuel system if it wasn't designed for E85 though, so an upgraded fuel system may be required when converting vehicles to run on E85.
Is it safe to use flex fuel all the time?
E85 is such an effective cleaner that some people run about 1 or 2 tanks worth of E85 through their engines instead of using a fuel injector cleaner. A surefire way to ensure that your engine remains clean is to use E85 often (or all the time).
What is the downside of flex fuel?
The cons of flex-fuel vehicles are that they have less mileage, have an effect on crop economy, and have limited availability. In an emergency, you can put standard gasoline in your flex-fuel car.
Why does flex fuel burn so fast?
The loss in MPG is dependent on the actual ethanol content of the fuel that you're running. The drop in fuel economy is because ethanol has lower energy content per gallon than gasoline. E85 also burns faster than regular gasoline because it vaporizes faster.
Can you switch between flex-fuel and regular?
You can but you shouldn't. Your vehicle computer “learns” the fuel you are using and adjusts accordingly. You won't get your best mileage with your first tank of e85 nor with your first tank going back to e10 (which is by far the most likely fuel you are able to buy unless you burn some form of premium fuel.).
What are the downsides of E85?
Of course, using E85 gasoline also has disadvantages, like vehicle incompatibility, potential engine damage, reduced fuel economy, and limited availability.
Will flex fuel hurt a regular engine?
Conclusion. While E85 offers several benefits, it's crucial to use it only in vehicles designed or retrofitted for its use. Running E85 in a normal gasoline car can lead to engine damage from improper fuel management. Always check your vehicle's compatibility before filling up with E85.
What happens if you put regular gas in a flex fuel car?
Using any octane level of gasoline in a flex-fuel vehicle is acceptable. The sensors in an FFV detect whether the fuel is pure gasoline or 85% ethanol and make necessary changes for optimal fuel injection and timing of combustion. Putting E85 in a car not designed for flexible fuel can be harmful.
Do you get better gas mileage with flex fuel?
With E85 in a flex fuel vehicle, you can expect to see a ~20-25% decrease in MPG. The main benefit to the end user for E85 is cheaper fuel costs when oil prices are high relative to the main source of ethanol in a country (corn in the US).
