When choosing a car, you most likely consider its fuel-efficiency as one of the key factors. The world is also becoming more concerned with environmental sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. Here are some of the technologies that carmakers have come up with and improved to create more fuel-efficient cars:
1. Direct Injection
Direct injection technology, also known as fuel stratified injection or direct stratified charge, delivers gasoline directly into the cylinder without having to go through the intake manifold. This technology improves fuel-efficiency, as the gasoline and air get to burn completely. Spray timing is also precise because the system can regulate the amount of fuel needed at a given time. As such, gasoline is only sprayed into the cylinders when needed.
Since gasoline is directly delivered into the cylinders, there is less chance of wastage, and it enables more control of the fuel mist. However, direct injection may lead to a noisy engine and carbon build-up. You should, therefore, take your car for regular maintenance.
2. Cylinder Deactivation
You don’t need your engine to be on full power when cruising or driving at a steady speed. Cylinder deactivation shuts down cylinders that are not in use to save on fuel. When the car is at a steady speed, the fuel that goes into the cylinders is cut off. Cylinder deactivation is also called displacement on-demand and variable cylinder management. Engines with 6 or 8 cylinders can greatly benefit from this feature without compromising engine performance.
3. Turbochargers
Through the use of a car’s exhaust fumes, turbochargers spin the exhaust turbine. When the compressor turbine spins, it pushes air into the cylinders, causing the engines to burn more fuel and boosting its power. Turbochargers function to increase the power of smaller engines when needed, otherwise, they remain idle. They make it possible to have a high-performing small engine without compromising on performance or lowering fuel economy.
4. Start-stop Systems
Start-stop systems save you fuel when your car is idle. When you press the foot brakes to stop the car, the engine shuts down. It then resumes automatically when you let go of the brakes. The downside of the start-stop system, however, is that it may cause the car to hesitate before accelerating, making it an issue in traffic-stops. The start-stop systems require cars with powerful starters.
5. Dual-Clutch Transmission
Dual-clutch transmissions are similar to manual transmissions, but the clutch operations and gear shifting are done electronically. Since it doesn’t have a torque converter, the engine and the wheels directly connect and there is less loss of power in between, which improves fuel economy.
Find Fuel-efficient Cars at Valley Automall
If you are looking for fuel-efficient cars, whether new or used, Valley Automall has you covered! Contact us today at 702-570-2257 for more information on our inventory, or visit our dealership to browse our vast selection.