Although an apparently attractive alternative fuel, E85 is unethical. Here’s why.
Currently a bushel of corn produces about 2.8 gallons of ethanol.
Now let’s take a look at fuel economy. The average 2011 passenger car can drive 34 miles on one gallon of gas. The average 2011 light duty truck will go 25 miles. This is considerably better than the MPG ratings from 1980 (car 24 – Truck 18).
These MPG ratings are based on gasoline. You must remember that fuel economy for E85 is approximately 30% less than gasoline. It just so happens that fuel economy has increased since 1980 by about 30%, so E85 is like a 30 year time machine. The average 2011 car would only go 24 miles on a gallon of E85. The average 2011 truck would squeak out 18 miles on a gallon of E85.
So you take your bushel of corn, and you convert it into E85 and you can drive your average 2011 car 67 miles. Keep in mind, the average round trip commute for an American is 32 miles. The average American, driving a 2011 car would use 2.5 bushels of corn a week just to get to and from work. If that average american drives a 2011 truck, they would use over 3 bushels of corn a week.
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Vehicle over heating? Vehicle not heating up fast enough? Vehicle heats up just fine but you get no heat in the cabin? This post is just for you! If you have overheated your vehicle, also read this .
One of the first things to note is that the temperature gauge in the dash often does not show an accurate representation of the actual engine coolant temperature. As you drive your vehicle, the coolant temperature fluctuates regularly, and that is normal. In order to convince your average driver all is well, the temperature gauge will sit right in the middle of the gauge as long as the temperature is close to proper operating temperature. In order to known exactly where your coolant temperature actually runs, I recommend purchasing a scan tool such as this one made by Autolink.
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My favorite commercial to date.
Two Socks
