What are the pros and cons of flex fuel?
As the owner of Kevin's Autos, I often encounter questions about flex fuel vehicles and their benefits and drawbacks. Flex fuel technology allows vehicles to run on a blend of gasoline and ethanol, providing an alternative to traditional fuels. In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of flex fuel to help you make an informed decision about whether it's the right choice for your vehicle.
What is Flex Fuel?
Flex fuel, or flexible fuel, refers to vehicles designed to operate on more than one type of fuel. Most commonly, these vehicles can run on a mixture of gasoline and ethanol, typically up to 85% ethanol (E85). This technology is becoming increasingly popular as consumers look for more sustainable fuel options.
Pros of Flex Fuel
- Environmental Benefits: Flex fuel vehicles produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional gasoline vehicles. Ethanol is a renewable resource, which can help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
- Cost Savings: In many regions, E85 is often cheaper than regular gasoline, which can lead to significant savings at the pump, especially for drivers who frequently fill up.
- Performance: Some drivers report that flex fuel vehicles perform better on E85 due to its higher octane rating, which can lead to improved engine performance and efficiency.
- Support for Local Economies: Ethanol is often produced from local crops, such as corn, which can help support local farmers and economies.
Cons of Flex Fuel
- Availability: E85 is not as widely available as regular gasoline, which can be a significant drawback for drivers who travel long distances or live in rural areas.
- Fuel Economy: Flex fuel vehicles may experience a decrease in fuel economy when running on E85 compared to gasoline. This means you might need to fill up more often, potentially offsetting some of the cost savings.
- Compatibility Issues: Not all vehicles are designed to run on flex fuel. It's essential to check your vehicle's specifications to ensure compatibility, as using the wrong fuel can lead to engine damage.
- Potential Engine Wear: Some studies suggest that using high levels of ethanol can lead to increased wear on certain engine components over time, which may result in higher maintenance costs.
Conclusion
Flex fuel vehicles offer a range of benefits, particularly in terms of environmental impact and potential cost savings. However, they also come with challenges, such as availability and fuel economy concerns. As you consider your options, weigh these pros and cons carefully to determine if flex fuel is the right choice for your driving needs. At Kevin's Autos, we're here to help you with any questions or maintenance needs related to your vehicle, whether it's flex fuel or traditional gasoline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the disadvantages of a flex fuel engine?
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. However, this only applies to gasoline blended with ethanol and methanol.
Can I put regular gas in a flex fuel car?
Yes, you can use regular unleaded gasoline in a flex-fuel truck. Flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) are designed to run on a mixture of gasoline and ethanol, typically E85 (which is 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline), but they can also operate on regular unleaded gasoline.
What happens if you put flex-fuel in a gas car?
Much greater risks occur when E85 is used in a non-flex-fuel vehicle over time. Continually filling a standard gasoline car with this high-ethanol fuel can result in serious fuel system corrosion. Plus, when you accidentally put E85 fuel in a car, it may void your engine warranty.
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.
Will it hurt to put flex-fuel in a regular car?
However, it is NOT recommended to put E85 fuel in any vehicle other than a flex fuel vehicle. Doing so can ruin the engine and void the manufacturer's warranty. In addition to needing to be used in a flex fuel vehicle, E85 is not as widely available in some parts of the United States.
Is E85 bad in cold weather?
Ethanol is an alcohol, it doesn't freeze. This makes ethanol an excellent antifreeze agent for gasoline.
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).
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.).
Does flex-fuel get worse 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.
What is the downside to using 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.
