How does cylinder deactivation technology improve fuel efficiency?
I’ve read that cylinder deactivation can save fuel. How does this technology work, and in what driving conditions does it provide the most benefits?
How does cylinder deactivation technology improve fuel efficiency?
Cylinder deactivation technology improves fuel efficiency by shutting off some of the engine’s cylinders under light load conditions, such as cruising or idling. This reduces the engine’s displacement and fuel consumption, as fewer cylinders require less fuel to maintain the vehicle’s speed. The deactivated cylinders’ valves are closed, preventing air and fuel from entering the combustion chamber, and the fuel injectors are turned off. When more power is needed, the system reactivates the cylinders seamlessly. This technology is commonly used in V6 and V8 engines to enhance fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance.