What does flex fuel mean on a Ford?
Flex fuel is a feature on certain Ford vehicles that allows them to run on a blend of gasoline and ethanol. This provides drivers with more fuel options and can potentially save them money at the pump.
Understanding Flex Fuel
Flex fuel vehicles are designed to operate on a mixture of gasoline and ethanol, typically up to 85% ethanol (E85). This is different from regular gasoline, which contains only a small percentage of ethanol, usually around 10% or less. Flex fuel gives drivers the flexibility to choose between regular gasoline and the ethanol-gasoline blend, depending on availability and cost in their area.
Benefits of Flex Fuel
- Fuel Flexibility: Flex fuel vehicles can run on regular gasoline, E85, or any blend in between, providing more fuel options for the driver.
- Potential Cost Savings: In some regions, E85 fuel can be less expensive than regular gasoline, potentially saving drivers money at the pump.
- Reduced Emissions: Ethanol is a renewable fuel source that can help reduce the environmental impact of vehicle emissions compared to traditional gasoline.
It's important to note that not all Ford vehicles are equipped with flex fuel capability. Drivers should check their owner's manual or with their local Ford dealer to determine if their specific model has this feature.
How to Use Flex Fuel
Using flex fuel is straightforward. Drivers can simply fill their tank with either regular gasoline or the ethanol-gasoline blend, depending on their preference and the availability in their area. The vehicle's engine will automatically adjust to the fuel mixture, providing the appropriate performance and efficiency.
It's worth mentioning that some older vehicles may not be compatible with higher ethanol blends, so it's always a good idea to consult the owner's manual or speak with a Ford representative before using anything other than regular gasoline.
Will flex-fuel hurt a regular engine?
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.
Which Ford engines are flex-fuel?
Ford's commitment to offering diverse energy alternatives is evident in its vehicle lineup. The F-150 and Super Duty pickups, Explorer SUV, and Transit cargo van all offer a flex-fuel-engine option.
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.
What is better, flex-fuel or gas?
Ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline, which means flex-fuel cars pump fewer toxic fumes into the environment. Flex fuel also contributes fewer greenhouse gases, making it a more environmentally friendly option than traditional gasoline.
What happens if you mix E85 and regular gas?
Simply put, if you mix 5 gallons of 91 octane pump gas with 5 gallons of E85, you get 10 gallons of a 96-octane fuel that's very close to E50, or 50-percent ethanol and 50-percent gasoline.
What are the benefits of Ford Flex fuel?
Despite the focus on sustainability, Ford Flex Fuel vehicles do not compromise on performance. Ethanol has a higher octane rating compared to gasoline, which means it can offer increased power output and improved engine performance.
Can I switch between flex-fuel and regular gas?
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.
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 I use regular gas in a flex-fuel car?
After all, gas pumps are much more abundant than flex-fuel pumps. 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.
Can you mix gas and flex-fuel?
Flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) can run on gasoline, ethanol (blends up to E85), or a combination of the fuels in the same tank.
