NGK shares five points that differentiate themselves in alcohol-fueled cars (ethanol) and gasoline

The brand's expert also explains which fuel is more efficient in

Different situations for flex-fuel car drivers

São Paulo, January 2025 - Alcohol-powered cars (ethanol) or gasoline,
are very present in the Brazilian fleet. Although they are common, These two
types of fuel present significant differences with regard to the
ignition and the starting process. With that in mind, and NGK, brand of Niterra
Specialized in components for ignition systems, explains how these
Particularities influence the performance and durability of vehicles.
1- Engine compression ratio: Alcohol-powered engines (ethanol)
have a higher compression ratio compared to engines
Exclusively gasoline. This difference is due to the high octane rating of the
Ethanol fuel (110 RON), enquanto a gasolina comum possui 93 RON. A
higher compression ratio of alcohol engines (ethanol) provides more
Power and torque, excelling in applications where performance is
essential.
2- Ignition Point: Thanks to the octane difference, the advance curve of
ignition of alcohol engines is more advanced, also resulting in greater
Power and torque. This characteristic is adjusted to meet the conditions
specific to each engine type.
3- Thermal Grade of Spark Plugs: in alcohol engines, the candles of
Ignition usually possess a cooler thermal degree, due to the greater
power and heat generated in the combustion chamber. This adaptation is
essential to ensure the efficiency and longevity of the system.
4- Surface treatment of metal castle: Alcohol can accelerate the
Corrosion process under certain conditions of use. To face this
challenge, Niterra uses a nickel-chromium bath in the metal castle of the
spark plugs, ensuring greater resistance to oxidation and greater durability
of the component.

5- Flex fuel engines and versatile solution: in flex engines, The rate of
compression is adjusted to operate with both fuels. Through
Fuel Identification Strategies, The system chooses the best curve
and uses heat-grade spark plugs suitable for gasoline and alcohol. O
Nickel-chromium treatment is also applied to withstand the conditions of
Use of both fuels.
Tips for use
The chemical composition of the fuels exerts a direct influence on the production process
burning. Alcohol (ethanol), due to its smaller carbon chain, Don't let it
carbon waste, Preventing candle charring. Gasoline, for
contain a larger carbon chain, has greater susceptibility to training
waste, especially depending on the conditions of use.
"That's why, The durability of the candles is more related to the conditions of use
of the vehicle than to the type of fuel", afirma Hiromori Mori, consultant
Niterra do Brasil Technical Assistance. "For those who make short and
Intermittent, where the engine does not reach the ideal temperature, gasoline is more
Indicated. Already in severe conditions, such as heavy traffic, It is essential to follow the
Severe use recommendations from automakers.
In this context, regardless of the type of fuel — whether it's gasoline,
alcohol or other —, NTK offers the aftermarket level sensors
that accurately measure the volume of fuel present in the tank's
vehicle. This information is displayed on the instrument cluster, Allowing
to the driver calculate the vehicle's range.