Decreased fuel economy

**restituto** · February 23rd, 2012 10:25 PM

Since I got my car 8 years ago, I my fuel economy for city driving is between 10 - 11 km/liter but lately I noticed that I can barely reached 10 km/li. What seemed to be the problem? I have my car maintenance done regularly (at CASA). Is there a possibility that some fuel or engine system parts have deteriorated that affected the fuel economy? All conditions still the same like..daily route, driving habits, normal tire inflation (manufacturers recommended). Hope you can share your insights guys...thanks...

**non-vtec** · February 24th, 2012 08:31 AM

Try asking your SA to check/clean the intake sensors (MAF, MAP) and the throttle body as well. Its not part of the PMS but they can do it upon the customer's request. Also I don't know if its just me but I noticed an increase in FC since the introduction of E10.

**restituto** · February 24th, 2012 10:13 PM

Thanks for the suggestion. By the way what is MAF and MAP?

**yebo** · February 24th, 2012 11:30 PM

it's just the ethanol in the gas. ethanol has less energy compared to gasoline so your fc will naturally increase when you switched from leaded gasoline to ethanol blended fuel. also, ethanol costs more than tetra-ethyl lead additive, kaya mas mahal ang ethnaol blended fuel. the good side of course is you and your children breathe cleaner air.

**restituto** · February 26th, 2012 12:40 AM

okay. the good aspect of ethanol could not be realized if the clean air act is not fully implemented. Still there are lots of smoke belcher on the road..

more bad side... increase in fuel consumption + increase in fuel price = increase in operating cost. ....hahaha

**vinj** · February 27th, 2012 09:16 AM

What's your car?

Take note also that traffic continues to get worse and as parts wear down, this will also affect your FC.

**ghosthunter** · February 27th, 2012 09:25 AM

Originally Posted by yebo

it's just the ethanol in the gas. ethanol has less energy compared to gasoline so your fc will naturally increase when you switched from leaded gasoline to ethanol blended fuel. also, ethanol costs more than tetra-ethyl lead additive, kaya mas mahal ang ethnaol blended fuel. the good side of course is you and your children breathe cleaner air.

Er... depends.

"Cleaner air" is a subjective thing. Having to need to burn 10% more fuel to go the same distance also means 10% more exhaust emissions including soot, carbon dioxide, nitrides of combustion, carbon monoxide, etc. from ALL the cars running on E10 blended gasolines.

**restituto** · February 28th, 2012 09:59 PM

Got an opinion from the consultant of one of the big gas company:

You are very right in your observation - decrease in fuel economy. E10 tends to be more volatile and has less heat content than the conventional gasoline. On the other positive outlook, ethanol burns more readily and has cleaner combustion property, thus, would produce less air pollutant (i.e. helps in keeping a cleaner environment). As per the Biofuels Act of 2006, biofuels (such as bioethanol ) are considered renewable & using such would lessen our dependence on imported fossil fuels and help boost the productivity of local farmers.