Products That Improve Engine Efficiency: Green Vehicles Articles: Eco20/20

Products That Improve Engine Efficiency

At first glance, some people may question how improving energy efficiency could have an impact on the environment. But many a driver will testify that just a little time stuck in traffic behind a car or truck spewing exhaust is enough to prove that carbon emissions can be unhealthy for humans and the environment. For these reasons, products that will help reduce these emissions are greatly appreciated.

Engine Lubricant

The US Department of Energy statistics show that friction is the reason that over 62 percent of the energy produced by engines is lost. An engine lubricant is now available that reduces this friction 30 to 50 percent. The lubricants were first developed by a Department of Energy laboratory in Chicago. The product is 22 times as slippery as quality petroleum lubricants, greatly reducing friction and improving the engine's energy efficiency. With the use of this product engine wear is reduced by 50 to 90 percent. The end result is that fuel efficiency is improved from 8 to 12 percent, saving money on expensive gasoline. Also, less harmful emissions are released to add pollution to the air.

Fuel Catalyst

There are over 12 million powerboats in the United States. One estimate states that the exhaust from these boats release up to 450 million gallons of unburned fuel into the air. A recently developed fuel catalyst works by improving efficiency by allowing fuel that goes into the engine to burn completely. The catalyst also increases horsepower, extends the life of the engine and saves on gas. In one test a tug boat was powered with two engines running at the same speed. Just one of the engines was equipped with the fuel catalyst. There was a measurable, obvious reduction in emissions for the engine with the fuel catalyst. There are various models of this fuel catalyst made suitable for use in hand held engine powered tools such as chainsaws and leaf blowers. The catalyst reduces carbon dioxide released into the air with the use these tools.

Exhaust Systems

Recent innovations in the design of exhaust systems have lead to better engine performance and fuel efficiency. One company manufactures an exhaust system that expels exhaust more quickly than traditional systems. This lessens the work that engine has to perform, allowing the engine to run more efficiently. The same company manufactures a catalytic converter that converts carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons to less harmful emissions such as carbon dioxide or water.

Maintenance

Vehicle owners can do their part to increase engine efficiency by regular maintenance. Keeping the engine properly tuned decreases emissions that are released into the air. Tires should be inflated according to manufacturer specifications to improve gas mileage. Replacing air filters and using the recommended oil are also ways to keep that engine running as efficiently as possible.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, a total 250 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions from the consumption of energy were released in the year 1949. In 2009 carbon dioxide consumption of energy created 2,152 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. Figures like these provide more incentive to give serious thought to help all combustible engines run more efficiently.