In other words, it will take 1. So, yes, you will get fewer miles per gallon using ethanol. However, ethanol costs less than regular gasoline, so the savings should more than offset the mileage loss. Because flex fuel isn't as economical as gasoline, gas stations are less likely to carry it. In fact, only a small percentage of gas stations nationwide supply ethanol, although that is likely to change as more consumers purchase flex-fuel vehicles.
The benefit of a modern flex-fuel vehicle, though, is that you can use any combination of gasoline and ethanol, whether it's percent unleaded gas or 85 percent ethanol. Your vehicle's sensors will detect the blend and make the necessary changes. The debates surrounding the pros and cons of flex fuel and flex-fuel vehicles aren't going away anytime soon.
However, there does seem to be a move toward using ethanol as an environmentally friendly and economical fuel source. More ethanol refining plants are opening up, and even if you're not ready to transition to a flex-fuel vehicle yet, it's something to keep in mind for the future. Technology is always changing, so there's no way to predict what flex-fuel vehicles and advances could emerge over the next few years.
You could be driving a flex-fuel car already and not even know it. Flex-fuel vehicles typically look no different than other vehicles, but there are some signs you can look for. For example, many manufacturers put yellow gas caps on flex-fuel vehicles or a yellow ring where you insert the fuel nozzle. Other vehicles have labels on the fuel doors indicating they take flex fuel.
If you do have a flex-fuel vehicle, you could switch to an alternative fuel source now, without having to go through the effort and expense of purchasing a new car. For any feedback or correction requests please contact us at research caranddriver. New Cars. Buyer's Guide. Ethanol can corrode some materials, including some types of:. When a vulnerable material is exposed to ethanol, it deteriorates over time. That can lead to some pretty serious engine damage.
Back in the old days pre , E85 could eat away at some engine components. Most vehicles produced in and after are immune to ethanol. Since , it has been US federal law that vehicles must be compatible with ethanol.
So engine damage caused by E85 hasn't really been an issue since then. Yet, this myth still stuck around. Here are some of the other reasons for the persistent myths about ethanol damaging the vehicle:. And, by the way, this is one of many E85 myths. Get the truth on other myths in this article. Is your vehicle not already compatible with flex fuel?
You may be worried about whether E85 is safe to use in your engine when you finally convert to E You don't need to look far to find out. Supporters counter that argument by pointing out that heating value does not factor into overall efficiency. Adding a fraction of gasoline to ethanol blends can counteract the low heating value.
E85 also has higher octane content, which can provide more engine power. Thanks to an abundance of corn, E85 is only going to become more common in the United States. Increased support and government subsidies mean that E85 and other flex fuels are here to stay. New Cars. Buyer's Guide. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. Tom Merton Getty Images. E85 Flex Fuel E85 is the most common form of flex fuel available on the market. The pros include: Less dependence on foreign oil Fewer air pollutants released into the atmosphere Higher resistance to engine knocking Disadvantages to keep in mind include: Limited to use in flex-fuel vehicles Less energy per gallon, leading to fewer miles per gallon Not readily available in some regions Ethanol Ethanol is an alcohol fuel derived from several different plant materials, including corn, sugar cane, or various grasses.
Fuel Economy The Society of Automotive Engineers and other supporters of E85 usage argue that if automotive manufacturers would recognize and take advantage of ethanol-based fuel's superior traits, they could make an ethanol engine that was as efficient as one powered by gasoline. For any feedback or correction requests please contact us at research caranddriver. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below. More From Research. E85 is a type of fuel that contains a higher concentration of ethanol. Many flex-fuel vehicles FFVs can use both E85 and unleaded gas without any problems, but if you accidentally fill your non-FFV with E85, you could be in for an issue. Additionally, gas combusts much faster in a diesel engine which can lead to misfires and knocking, requiring certain engine parts to be repaired, rebuilt, or replaced.
However, accidents happen, and there are crucial steps to follow if you realize you accidentally put diesel in your car. Forunately, having Roadside Assistance could help you save money by covering the cost of the tow! To learn more about how Roadside Assistance and for free auto insurance quote , call , click , or visit a friendly ABC Insurance agent near you.
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