All about Mitsubishi MIVEC Engine Technology
Auto manufacturers constantly focus on improving the technology for an enhanced driving experience. Similarly, Mitsubishi released its own MIVEC engine with controlled valve timing and lift. That said, the engine achieved higher power output along with low fuel consumption. Mitsubishi used the MIVEC technology in Mirage for the first time in 1992. Since then, many improvements have been made to the engine for better performance.
Furthermore, this engine was manufactured to not only achieve high performance but also to reduce the carbon footprint of the cars. Let’s know more about the MIVEC engine technology and how it works to ensure optimum performance of Mitsubishi automobiles.
MITSUBISHI INNOVATIVE VALVE TIMING ELECTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEM (MIVEC)
MIVEC is similar to the VVT engines that vary the valve lift, opening and closing times. After certain improvements in this technology, Mitsubishi used the MIVEC system in the 2005 model of Outlander and Galant Fortis in 2007. The mechanism of the engine continuously controlled the intake and exhaust valve timing to enhance the car’s performance.
Moreover, MIVEC is the naming convention used by the Japanese auto brand, Mitsubishi Motors for all the engines featuring variable valve timing mechanism.
HOW DOES MIVEC WORK
Normal fuel engines without this technology control the air intake with the help of a throttle valve. That said, it increases the air intake when the combustion chamber of the engine descends resulting in power loss and more fuel consumption. However, the intake and exhaust valves open at the same time and the valve timing is adjusted according to the driving conditions with the MIVEC engine.
Moreover, MIVEC technology overlaps the valve to decrease the resistance to the air intake. Alongside, when the air exits through the exhaust valve, the fresh air starts entering the engine making the combustion process more stabilised. That said, it reduces the volume of exhaust air reducing the carbon dioxide emissions.
MAIN FEATURES OF MIVEC ENGINE
Since the MIVEC technology is one the latest developed ones with the concept of power, better functioning and fuel economy, and reduced carbon emissions, the engine uses the following core elements:
- Electronic controlled valves
- direct-drive valvetrain
- Timing chain
- Engine Manifold and head cover made of resin components
- Rear exhaust engine mounting
Besides, to reduce the weight of the engine block by more than ten percent, aluminium is used for its manufacturing. Thanks to the reduced weight as it minimises the size and cuts the extra cost to manufacture heavy engine blocks. Moreover, weight reduction contributes to fuel economy and enhances the driving experience.
Alongside, the engines are developed through the processes of Mitsubishi Motors Development System (MMDS) and vehicle development processes to ensure MIVEC engine reliability and high-quality performance.
ADVANTAGES OF MITSUBISHI MIVEC
Here are the benefits of MIVEC technology:
- Reduced engine block height, size and weight
- High performance and reliability
- Low carbon emissions contributing to a greener environment
- Better fuel economy
PROBLEMS RELATED TO MIVEC ENGINE
In some Mitsubishi cars with MIVEC system, there were following problems associated with the engine:
- If you don’t rev the engine properly, it may lead to a cylinder head with a carbon choke.
- Changing ECU can disturb the valve timings if not replaced correctly.
- Mitsubishi cars with MIVEC also faced the problem of clogged fuel injectors.
MIVEC technology is a system like VTEC and VVT which require regular service and maintenance. For the MIVEC engine to work properly, it is essential to use a high-quality of fuel and pay a visit to the service station to adjust valve clearances after every 30 to 40 thousand kilometres of mileage.
You can find the MIVEC engine in the following used Mitsubishi cars for sale in the UAE:
- Used Mitsubishi Lancer in the UAE
- Second-hand Mitsubishi Mirage in the UAE
- Pre-owned Mitsubishi Pajero in the UAE
Besides, you can browse through the Toyota, Honda, BMW and Mercedes-Benz cars with modern engine technologies in the list of used cars for sale in the UAE.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s top auto blog to know more about different features and technology introduced by the automotive brands.