Does mixing alcohol and gasoline make a difference in a flex engine? Understand once and for all

Currently, most vehicle fleets already have the “flex engine“, which accepts fueling with both gasoline and alcohol and ethanol.

Many believe that, depending on the vehicle, one type of fueling may be better than the other, when it comes to consumption, power and engine strength and the like.

However, another large portion of the population focuses more on the economy: which of the two types of supplies weighs less on their pockets?

It is necessary to do the math to understand which one consumes less per km driven, whether in the city or on the highway. Furthermore, there is a question: is there the right proportion of gasoline and ethanol in the tank of a flex engine?

Find out more about fueling cars with a flex engine

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It is important to say that all engines of this type accept the supply of both fuels, whether separately or mixed, in any proportion. The question is what you want.

Although it is difficult to deduce the best fueling proportion for flex engines, many people make the following calculation: 50% of Gasoline and 50% alcohol. This is because they will obtain the strength and power of the engine, without compromising the economy of consumption.

Of course, everything will depend on your car and where you will use it on a daily basis. Perhaps, on the road, thinking about consumption would be more appropriate.

However, if the vehicle is still used a lot on the road, the engine power may also be better. It all depends on what your goal is at the end of the day.

Advantages and disadvantages of fuels

Among the advantages of fueling up with ethanol is greater engine power and a lower percentage of carbon, which emits fewer harmful gases, since its source is sugar cane.

However, its use increases consumption, making you have to refuel more often and, depending on the case, even spend more money.

As for gasoline, the biggest advantage of all is consumption. Even though it is a more expensive fuel, it works better, and you should stop less often to fill up the vehicle.

Financially, there is a calculation that must be done to know which is more worth it. The calculation is obtained based on an index that varies from 70% to 75% difference in consumption between the two.

In other words, if a liter of ethanol costs up to 70% of the value of a liter of gasoline, it will be more advantageous. Otherwise, petroleum-derived fuel is still more economical.