The Differences in Automobile Fuel Options

Whenever you pull up to a gas station to fill up, you might ask yourself, is there really a difference between the fuel options at the pump? The answer is a resounding yes. That is the reason auto manufacturers make a distinction about the type of fuel to put in specific vehicles. High performance cars require a certain amount of combustion for appropriate handling. Here is a quick look at fuel content, grades, and brands on the market.

Fuel Content

Several chemical compounds make up the content of all automobile fuels. There are five categories the EPA allows for use in vehicles. They also regulate and monitor programs in concert with other government agencies on state and local levels. This includes specific limits of each component regardless of the blend. The top two categories include sulfur and hydrocarbons such as benzene, acrolein, formaldehyde, naphthalene, and 1,3-butadiene.

Reformulated gas or RFG and Reid Vapor Pressure or RVP are used to ensure cleaner burns and better performance during the summer season. Winter is another time of year that requires special additives to mitigate the dangerous toxin carbon monoxide. This is the last category called winter oxygenates. There is also a new alternative used with each compound known as ethanol. The amount ranges from 5 to 15 percent of this renewable energy component across all fuel types.

Different Grades of Automobile Fuel

There is a difference between the three different fuel options at the pump. According to engineers at MIT’s School of Engineering, car performance dictates the type of fuel to purchase. Each fuel offers similar thermal energy releases to power vehicles. However, higher engine compression ratios respond better with the power generated by premium unleaded gas.

The science states these engines operate at higher pressures with hotter temperatures. In addition, new design factors with electronic components are capable of converting thermal energy more efficiently than those without them. If your car knocks, use higher octane gas of at least mid-grade and up to prevent this regardless of your car’s make. For heavier machinery, you might want to contact an expert at a place like TractorTool about your options.

Brands

There are several leading gas brands every consumer has frequented. Some drivers have preferences of one over another, citing various reasons such as better mileage. The major companies, including BP and Exxon/Mobil, claim their additives can bolster performance while keeping engines cleaner. This would make sense, because car owners have been adding engine performance products for decades. With each fill-up, take a moment to review what is actually in the fuel as well as the octane levels. It is a good idea to check for the amount of ethanol content as well. As a reminder, some brands start their mid-grade at 89 while others begin with 90.

Ground level ozone is the biggest culprit to unhealthy air caused by all gasoline or fossil fuels used by cars. This has been an important catalyst for emissions and government regulations. Since they are watching these critical issues, drivers simply need to listen for engine knocks to decide about the octane to buy. A caveat is to follow the manufacturers recommendation at all times.

Carsurfer Admin

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