The principles behind the gasoline car engine haven’t changed much. A gasoline-powered engine works as fuel and air are ignited together, which powers the motor through a series of pistons and crankshafts. For a more detailed explanation, check out this video.
Despite the underlying principles of how a gasoline engine works remaining the same, there have been several improvements over the years that have changed engine technology. Here are ten ways modern engines have changed.
1. Engines are smaller. Everything that gets invented eventually gets smaller. Just like our smartphones, which combine multiple technologies in a tiny brick of electronics, the modern engine is smaller than it used to be as more efficient technologies have been designed, and cars have gotten lighter.
2. Engines are more efficient. The fuel economy we get now is much better than it used to be. Fuel efficiency has become a necessity for many car manufacturers as strict government emissions standards have been passed to meet environmental targets.
3. Engines are more powerful. Smaller lighter engines can produce more horsepower than older model engines. This advancement has resulted in higher temperatures in your engine and your better fuel burning.
4. Modern engines are more electronic. Increasingly your mechanic is more of a computer expert than an engine expert. Previously standard engine parts like a carburetor may be replaced with electronic fuel injection systems, as well as several other parts of your engine. Everything is monitored by electronic sensors, which must be calibrated to your vehicle computer and continually updated.
5. Increased safety features. Older cars were not nearly as safe as their modern counterparts. New safety standards have been invented as per government regulations for consumer safety.
6. Cylinder deactivation. This is a relatively new technology that is designed for fuel-efficiency. When the car is idling or stopped, individual cylinders are turned off to save power and fuel. Your vehicle will turn off parts of the motor when you are idling or stopped. Many new cars have this technology to improve fuel economy, especially in stop and go traffic.
7. Variable-valve timing.The valves in your engine used to open and close at the same time, which wasted fuel. This new technology optimizes how the valves open based on how much power is needed, which helps improve fuel economy.
8. Higher transmission speed. Modern transmissions can handle more than ever before. It’s widespread to see transmissions with six or more speeds, as opposed to the traditional four or five-speed of older transmissions.
9. Direct fuel injection. Direct engine technology improves fuel economy by heating the fuel and air combination before it hits the combustion chamber. This change helps the fuel burn hotter and more efficiently.
10. Turbocharger. Adding a turbocharger fan to the car’s exhaust system pushes the air through the car’s exhaust system faster. On smaller vehicles, this technology helps generate more power and save fuel. In many models, this technology is known as an EcoBoost.
There are even more ways that modern engines differ from older models. These technologies have all been developed to improve fuel economy, increase power, decrease vehicle weight, and meet emissions standards. What hasn’t changed is your vehicle’s need for oil as a lubricant. Motor oil still plays an essential role in maintaining your engine and improving performance. You need to choose the right oil for your vehicle. Older motor oil blends are not meant for the new engine technologies in your car. More modern motor oils are being manufactured specifically for cars newer than in 2012. These oils are less viscous, have more additives, and are more thoroughly tested for these engines.
In a previous blog, Watch Out For Carbon Buildup, we shared how a major issue occurring in many newer vehicles is carbon buildup. Carbon deposits form throughout more modern engines because of direct injection technology. One way to stop this from happening is to choose a proper oil for your engine.
Our top recommendation for modern engines is the Valvoline Modern Engine Full Synthetic oil. It is the first oil that has been designed to prevent carbon build-ups, handle the higher temperatures of modern engines, and provide the best protection to your engine. Unlike other API certified oils, it will offer more protection against carbon build-up. If you have questions about this oil, check out this great video from Valvoline.
Your newer vehicle is designed for the future. The engine advancements that have changed the way we drive and use fuel are more significant than you think. That means that we have to change the way we think of maintaining and caring for our engines. You can’t keep up your new engine with the same old lubricants. Your oil needs to change with your engine. Let our team show you why modern engine oil like Valvoline Modern Engine can make all the difference.