For decades, ethanol has been blended with petrol to create a more sustainable fuel alternative. While it does reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lowers carbon emissions, it doesn’t come without drawbacks. Many drivers experience a noticeable dip in engine efficiency, increased fuel consumption, and potential long-term damage to critical engine components.
If you’ve been wondering why your vehicle isn’t running as smoothly as before or why your fuel economy has taken a hit, ethanol might be the culprit. Fortunately, fuel additives offer a practical solution to counter its effects. Let’s break it down.
How does ethanol affect engine efficiency?
Ethanol is often marketed as an eco-friendly addition to petrol, but there are some key reasons why it doesn’t always work in your vehicle’s favour:
Lower energy content
Ethanol contains less energy per litre than pure petrol. This means that when you use ethanol-blended fuel, your engine has to burn more of it to generate the same level of power, leading to reduced fuel efficiency.
Increased fuel consumption
Since ethanol doesn’t pack as much energy, you may find yourself refueling more often. A car running on E10 (fuel with 10% ethanol) can consume up to 3% more fuel compared to one using non-ethanol petrol. The higher the ethanol blend, the greater the impact.
Corrosion and wear
Ethanol absorbs moisture from the air, which can lead to water contamination in your fuel system. Over time, this can cause rust, corrosion, and damage to metal components, fuel lines, and seals. Older vehicles, in particular, are more vulnerable to these issues.
Engine deposits and performance issues
Ethanol can contribute to carbon build-up inside the engine, leading to rough idling, hesitation, and even reduced power output. This is especially noticeable in high-performance or older engines that weren’t designed to handle ethanol blends efficiently.
How do fuel additives help in increasing performance
Fuel additives provide an effective way to combat the drawbacks of ethanol while optimising engine performance. Here’s how they make a difference:
Boosting combustion efficiency
A high-quality fuel additive improves the combustion process, allowing your engine to extract more energy from each drop of fuel. This helps offset ethanol’s lower energy content and improves fuel economy.
Reducing corrosion and wear
Additives with corrosion inhibitors form a protective layer inside your fuel system, preventing rust and damage caused by ethanol’s moisture-attracting nature. This extends the lifespan of your engine components and keeps them running smoothly.
Minimising engine deposits
Over time, ethanol can lead to carbon and varnish build-up inside the engine, reducing efficiency. Additives help clean these deposits, ensuring optimal fuel atomisation and a smoother-running engine.
Enhancing fuel stability
Ethanol-blended fuels degrade faster than pure petrol, especially when stored for long periods. Fuel stabilisers in additives prevent oxidation and maintain fuel integrity, which is particularly useful if your vehicle isn’t driven daily.
Choosing the right fuel additive
Choosing the right fuel additive is crucial, so it’s essential to select one that effectively counteracts ethanol’s drawbacks. Look for an additive that:
- Enhances fuel combustion and improves mileage
- Protects against rust and corrosion
- Cleans engine deposits and prevents build-up
- Stabilises fuel for long-term storage
Milex is specially formulated to tackle all these issues, ensuring that your engine runs at peak efficiency regardless of the ethanol content in your fuel.
In Conclusion
While ethanol in fuel has its benefits, it also comes with significant trade-offs in terms of efficiency, longevity, and overall engine performance. Instead of letting ethanol-related issues compromise your vehicle’s health, a high-quality fuel additive like Milex can help protect your engine, improve mileage, and keep things running smoothly.
If you want to experience the difference first-hand, try Milex Products today and give your engine the care it deserves.