The massive increases in the price of both petrol and diesel has, again, put the spotlight on fuel efficiency when running a car and the importance of using the right fuel to achieve maximum efficiency.
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Although there are different ‘grades’ of petrol and diesel, car buyers can be assured all Suzuki models are carefully tested to ensure compatibility with local fuel quality before being introduced.
“Buyers need not be concerned about the fuel quality in their new Suzuki vehicles, as the fuel quality regulations will coincide with the regulations of the vehicle when it becomes compulsory,” says a spokesperson for Suzuki Auto South Africa.
“Market research is done on vehicles before introducing them to the market to ensure the vehicle can operate in the market.”
Regulations are being put in place to ensure the fuel quality in South Africa meets the international standards of Euro V or Euro VI by 2027.
Although there is no need for concern, it is still worth car owners understanding the role fuel plays and why they should stick to the manufacturer recommendations for the fuel used.
How your engine works
Just like you need food and water to produce energy, your car converts fuel into motion. This process is known as internal combustion. Your engine creates a series of small, controlled explosions which generate the power to propel your car forward, transporting you from point A to point B.
This small, controlled explosion takes place in your engine cylinder - releasing a huge amount of energy in the form of expanding gas. Typically, your engine will let off hundreds of these explosions per minute - which is where your engine gets its purr.
Car engines use a four-stroke combustion cycle - beginning with intake, then on to compression, combustion and finally exhaust.
The process begins by opening the intake valve, moving the piston downwards and bringing fuel and air into your engine. Following the intake cycle, the compression cycle begins. During the compression cycle, the piston moves back upwards, pushing the fuel and air into a smaller space - which is ideal for a more powerful explosion. Next, your spark plugs ignite the fuel causing an explosion and pushing the piston down again. Finally the exhaust valve opens, releasing the gas from the explosion into the catalytic converter, where it’s cleaned before moving through the muffler and exiting your car through the exhaust pipe.
To see an engine firing in slow motion, take a look at Smarter Every Day’s video below, How Engines Work - (See Through Engine in Slow Motion).