Oct 31, 2014

Over the years, EPA standards and industry-led initiatives for fuel economy have made it easier and easier to get more miles per gallon. As technology improves, estimates will continue to rise. Your Clinton Area Honda dealer explains just how technology is creating better fuel efficiency.

 

Variable Valve Timing

Valves control the airflow in your engine and cylinders (pistons) lift to create combustion. It used to be that valves would open and cylinders would lift with one set timing. The problem was that your engine needs more air at higher speeds and less air at lower speeds. Variable valve and lift timing adjust to the needs of the engine, using less fuel.

Department of Energy Estimate: 5% efficiency improvement

 

Continuously Variable Transmission

Traditional engines use a set of gears to create speed from the engine. First gear is meant for acceleration from a stop and sixth gear is meant for high speed travel. Continuously variable transmission uses a pulley system that can create or reduce tension depending on the speed required. The result is an endless number of combinations to make the engine for efficient.

Department of Energy Estimate: 6% efficiency improvement

 

Direct Fuel Injection

One of the best improvements to fuel economy is far from the newest. Older engines mixed fuel with air before it got into the cylinder. Today, fuel can skip the mix and be sprayed directly into the cylinder on its own. Because it doesn’t need to be mixed beforehand, the fuel use can be much more precise and less wasteful.

Department of Energy Estimate: 12% efficiency improvement