Reasons for Gasoline Consumption
Gasoline plays a crucial role in the operation of engines, particularly those found in automobiles. A specific amount of fuel is introduced into the engine, ignited, and transformed into energy. However, an increase in fuel consumption can lead to undesirable outcomes due to several factors, including the following:
- The use of air conditioning, which imposes an additional load on the engine, consequently increasing fuel consumption.
- Driving conditions: fuel consumption varies significantly between urban driving with congestion and navigating highways.
- Fluctuations in temperature.
- The age of the engine.
- Excessive speed.
- Driving style: the way in which a driver operates the vehicle greatly influences gasoline consumption; aggressive driving results in higher fuel usage compared to smoother driving.
- Operating vehicles in four-wheel drive mode, if equipped with that feature.
How Gasoline Engines Function
Gasoline engines operate on a principle known as the four-stroke cycle, where the piston moves up and down within the engine, completing a full stroke with each movement as follows:
- Intake stroke: the piston moves from the top of the combustion chamber to the bottom, drawing in a specific amount of air-fuel mixture.
- Compression stroke: the piston moves upward, compressing the air-fuel mixture together.
- Combustion stroke: the air-fuel mixture is ignited by an electrical spark generated from the spark plugs, producing force that pushes the piston downwards again.
- Exhaust stroke: this is the final phase in the combustion process, where the piston moves upward to expel all gases and byproducts of combustion from the engine.
Types of Gasoline Fuels
Gasoline is categorized into three classifications based on the octane rating added to it. Below is the classification of gasoline as found in most countries:
- Regular gasoline, 87 octane.
- Mid-grade gasoline, 89 octane.
- Premium gasoline, 91-93 octane.