We are living in an age of supreme competition; competition between ourselves domestically, academically and financially, not to mention in our careers, recent purchases and even the quality of our clothing. Capitalism is at its peak, and each man or woman is in it for themselves it would seem. This strive for dominance is prominent all over the world and in all many different industries. Even in the communist states where there is supposed to be an ultimate aim of compete equality, each state is still striving to be the most, the best, or the furthest ahead in so many fields.

One industry where there is a clear desire to be the best is in motorsports. As a sport this is seemingly obvious, yet the reliance on a clear technology focus as a means to improve performance is something that can, and should, be transferred to other efforts. As well as the driver’s capabilities, the performance of every single aspect of the sports car, from the volume of air in the tires to the RPMs of the engine, is monitored and scrutinised for potential improvements.

Earlier this month it was reported that Audi has taken its cleaner vehicles effort even further by designing an engine with a clear glass feature, as well as a special compression chamber where a camera records the filtration process. By also using a synthetic gas for fuel it is reported that it burns more efficiently, due to the lack of hydrocarbons. This level of performance analysis from just one brand has caused ripples throughout the motor industry, where other big names are now bustling to improve their own fuel standards in competition. The overall result is then that there is a raised standard in fuel efficiency and performance to be compared to, therefore improving the overall industry’s efficiency.

Such a trend of improving the quality of fuel used in vehicles is not a new craze, in recent years we have seen the introduction of the electric car. Although this was not revolutionary, its presence in big cities can still be noted with the installation of power points being regularly used.

One very important area where these sorts of efficiency and environmental concerns have taken effect is in heavy industry. Aviation and maritime companies have all invested in new technologies to maintain and improve the performance of their machines. The ways that aeroplanes are designed today are so much more advanced than, say, fifty years ago. Improvements made in one industry can always be, and usually are, transferred to several others. The streamlining of aeroplanes, boats and cars are all done so that they can move quicker and with less fuel, but the origin of this science has had many influences: the art deco movement, for one.

The quality of fuel is integral for the safe and efficient working of most engines. Just as Audi are monitoring and analysing every aspect of how their fuel is working, fuel testing can offer huge benefits to other industries too. Not only can it help in the long-term health of an engine or engine part, fuel testing can also help to identify a weak or malfunctioning part way before it breaks down. This is highly beneficial in aviation and maritime industries where each mechanical part is essential for the running of the vehicle in question. Having poor quality fuel can cause problems such as blocked filers, stuck injectors and can even cause serious damage to equipment. As any of these instances can be very costly and also very damaging to the environment, ensuring that your fuel is of the highest quality before it is used is essential.

The simple human trait of striving to be the best has many downfalls, but it offers many benefits to society too. Our instinct of survival of the fittest is transferred to businesses and industries that are then competing for the highest status. This has huge positives for the bettering of our machines and helping to improve entire industries, which in turn help us save money and protect the environment.