What are the benefits of Ford Flex Fuel?
As a seasoned auto service provider, I’ve seen many advancements in vehicle technology over the years. One of the most notable is the introduction of Flex Fuel vehicles, particularly from manufacturers like Ford. These vehicles are designed to run on a blend of gasoline and ethanol, offering drivers a range of benefits. In this article, I’ll break down the key advantages of Ford Flex Fuel vehicles and why they might be a great choice for your next car.
1. Environmental Benefits
One of the standout advantages of Ford Flex Fuel vehicles is their reduced environmental impact. Ethanol, which is derived from renewable resources like corn and sugarcane, burns cleaner than traditional gasoline. This means fewer greenhouse gas emissions and a smaller carbon footprint. By choosing a Flex Fuel vehicle, you’re contributing to a more sustainable future.
2. Cost Savings
Flex Fuel vehicles provide an opportunity for cost savings at the pump. Ethanol blends, such as E85 (85% ethanol and 15% gasoline), are often cheaper than regular gasoline. While fuel efficiency may vary slightly, the lower cost per gallon can make up for it, especially if you live in an area where ethanol is readily available.
3. Engine Performance
Ford Flex Fuel vehicles are designed to handle ethanol blends without compromising engine performance. In fact, ethanol has a higher octane rating than gasoline, which can lead to improved engine performance and reduced knocking. This makes Flex Fuel vehicles a reliable choice for drivers who want both power and efficiency.
4. Fuel Flexibility
As the name suggests, Flex Fuel vehicles offer flexibility in fueling options. You can use regular gasoline, ethanol blends, or a combination of both, depending on availability and pricing. This adaptability ensures that you’re never limited to a single fuel type, giving you more control over your driving costs.
5. Support for Domestic Agriculture
By using ethanol-based fuels, you’re supporting the domestic agriculture industry. Ethanol production relies heavily on crops like corn, which are grown by farmers across the United States. Choosing a Flex Fuel vehicle helps boost the economy and supports local farmers.
6. Tax Incentives
In some regions, owning a Flex Fuel vehicle can make you eligible for tax incentives or rebates. Governments often encourage the use of alternative fuels to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and these incentives can make owning a Flex Fuel vehicle even more appealing.
Conclusion
Ford Flex Fuel vehicles offer a range of benefits, from environmental advantages to cost savings and fuel flexibility. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, save money at the pump, or support domestic agriculture, a Flex Fuel vehicle is a smart choice. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re here to help you maintain and repair your Flex Fuel vehicle to ensure it runs smoothly for years to come. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, flex fuel or regular gas?
E85 is about 30 percent less efficient than regular gas, so if you have a flex-fuel engine and E85 is more than 30% cheaper, you will save money running it, if the cost difference is less than that though, it's cheaper to run regular gas.
Can I mix flex fuel with regular gas?
The benefit of a modern flex-fuel vehicle, though, is that you can use any combination of gasoline and ethanol, whether it's 100 percent unleaded gas or 85 percent ethanol. Your vehicle's sensors will detect the blend and make the necessary changes.
What are the downsides of E85?
Cons of E85 Gasoline
Of course, using E85 gasoline also has disadvantages, like vehicle incompatibility, potential engine damage, reduced fuel economy, and limited availability.
Is it a good idea to buy a flex fuel?
There are no benefits to using it, in fact it's worse for gas mileage than regular gas. It's also not good to switch back and forth often or mix them. If you put E85 in the tank you should stick with it. The only reason we even have that crap is because of government sweetheart deals and corn subsidies.
Can you mix flex fuel and regular gas?
The benefit of a modern flex-fuel vehicle, though, is that you can use any combination of gasoline and ethanol, whether it's 100 percent unleaded gas or 85 percent ethanol. Your vehicle's sensors will detect the blend and make the necessary changes.
Can I switch back and forth between flex-fuel and regular gas?
So, filling up your FFV with regular gas would make sense if you can't find an E85 pump at a station. Yes, you can use regular gasoline in an FFV without any problems or causing damage to your engine.
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.
Can you put regular 87 gas in a flex fuel vehicle?
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.
Does flex fuel get better gas mileage?
While E85 is typically cheaper per gallon than gasoline it might be more expensive per mile. Since ethanol contains less energy per volume than gasoline, FFVs will generally get 15%-27% fewer miles per gallon when fueled with E85, depending on the car and the driver's driving habits.
Is the Ford Flex fuel engine reliable?
The Ford Flex has received middle to high reliability scores on major review sites. RepairPal gives it a decent 3.5 out of 5.0 rating, ranking it 7th out of 8 in its class. The Ford Flex has a fairly average annual ownership cost of $713. With proper maintenance, you can easily put 200,000 miles on your Ford Flex.
