Gasoline

What gasoline should I use in my vehicles?

The most important part is the octane rating and the 'freshness' of the fuel. The actual octane number, not the useless labels of 'ultra', 'premium', etc. Use the octane rating that is listed on the vehicle and/or in the owners manual. Your vehicle will NOT run better on a higher octane than required. In fact using a higher octane fuel can cause higher emissions and is simply a waste of money.

100% gasoline starts to get dark as it ages, shouldn't really be stored more than 12mos. Gasoline with Ethanol in it really shouldn't be stored more than 3mos or so.

Using a higher octane will not make your car perform better, last longer, go faster, run cleaner or get better mileage. All grades and brands of gasoline sold in the the USA(and Canada, and I'm sure pretty much everywhere else) contain engine cleaning detergent additives as required by law.

Don't buy the hype, purchase the cheapest gasoline of the proper octane for your engine from a reputable station.

"Fuel-Saving Products"

Nope, putting magnets on your fuel line isn't going to improve the efficiency of your engine. Don't be a sucker, they don't work and if they did the manufactures would be using the same thing to bring their ratings up. In fact some of them could actually harm your engine and cause higher emissions. Take a deep breath and read this for some real tips: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0098-saving-money-gas

Does any octane/brand of fuel increase my gas mileage?

Nope, simply put it doesn't work that way. Want to improve your fuel mileage, here are some tips:

  • When it's time to replace your tires, look for those with low rolling resistance and keep all tires properly inflated and check them regularly. Keep your vehicle in alignment.

  • Keep up with oil(use the correct viscosity) and filter changes, and regular tune-ups/maintenance like air filters can help.

  • Smooth on the throttle, easy on the brakes, don't speed and don't idle(0.00mpg tends to bring down the average pretty quickly)

  • Shed any un-needed weight.

  • Follow mfg recommended service schedule.

What about fuel additives?

You will have to do your own homework on these. Excessive use can damage/clog your catalytic converter. Most of the time I would say they aren't needed, but can clean injectors and reduce carbon build-up if you have either of those problems. Therefore could be useful if/when needed. Our fuel already contains some of that stuff to help with the injectors and prevent corrosion, when was the last time you had to replace a 'clogged' injector?

Ethanol:

Note: Gasohol is gasoline with 10% ethanol.

  • Decreases fuel economy, Ethanol has less energy, so per gallon 100% Gasoline = 114,000BTUs, 100%Ethanol = 76,100BTUs, E10 = 111,836BTUs and E85 = 81,800BTUs

  • Ethanol increases hard deposit formation, it also dissolves/suspends sediment/contaminants/oxidation residue that can cause problems for filters and injectors.

  • Ethanol is a mild acidic and hygroscopic, which means it's corrosive and holds water, what a great combination.

  • Ethanol phase separation - ethanol and water settle to the bottom, the moisture corrodes sensors/pumps/tanks/lines/injectors/etc. Corroding pretty much anything made of iron-based alloys, aluminum, brass, bronze, silver, lead and other alloys found in the fuel system.

  • 82 and up can use up to 10% ethanol, don't use any higher percentage unless your vehicle was designed for it, none of our vans were designed for more than 10% ethanol. None of our vans were 'flex fuel' rated. As E15 often called "Unleaded88" becomes more available across the country you will have to watch what you buy, our vans that came with plastic tanks will probably fair much better than the earlier vans, but until more is know,

  • If you are storing your vehicle for more than 3mos, phase separation is an issue, use ethanol free fuel if possible. Gasoline with Ethanol will get cloudy as it absorbs water.