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CAR GAS FUELING OPTIONS
Premium Vs. Regular Grade Gasoline
The recommended gasoline for most cars is regular unleaded.
Using a higher-octane gasoline than recommended by the owner's manual does not
improve performance or fuel efficiency; it only costs more money. Check your owner's
manual to determine the lowest grade of fuel you can use.
Ethanol Blends - E85 and E10
Ethanol is an alcohol-based fuel made by fermenting and distilling starch crops,
such as corn. It may also be made from "cellulosic biomass" such as trees and
grasses in the near future. The use of ethanol can reduce U.S. dependence on
foreign oil and reduce greenhouse gases.
E10 or "gasohol" is a blend of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline sold in many parts
of the country. All auto manufacturers approve the use of blends of 10% ethanol
or less in their gasoline vehicles. E85, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15%
gasoline, can be used in flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs), which are specially
designed to run on gasoline, E85, or any mixture of the two. FFVs are offered by
several vehicle manufacturers. To determine if your vehicle is an FFV, check the
inside of your car's fuel filler door for an identification sticker or consult
your owner’s manual. Several hundred filling stations in the United States
currently sell E85.
Visit the
U.S.
Department of Energy Alternative Fuel Locator for locations of service stations selling
biodiesel.
NOTE: There is no
noticeable difference in vehicle performance when low-level ethanol blends are
used. However, FFVs operating on E85 usually experience a 20-30% drop in miles
per gallon due to ethanol's lower energy content.
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a commercially available diesel-replacement fuel manufactured from
vegetable oils or animal fats. It produces fewer greenhouse gases than petroleum
diesel and, since it is made domestically from renewable resources, increases
national energy security.
Biodiesel can be blended at any ratio with petroleum diesel, but it is most
commonly sold at ratios of 2%, 5%, or 20%, denoted as B2, B5, and B20. Most
vehicle manufacturers do not yet recommend using biodiesel blends greater than
B5, and some state that doing so may void the engine warranty. Check your
owner’s manual or with your vehicle manufacturer to determine the right blend
for your vehicle.
Purchase commercial grade biodiesel from a reputable dealer. Never refuel with
clean or used grease or vegetable oil that has not been converted to biodiesel.
It will damage your engine. Use of biodiesel blends may reduce fuel economy
slightly, less than 1% for B5.
Visit the
U.S.
Department of Energy Alternative Fuel Locator for locations of service stations selling
biodiesel.
Other Automobile Fuel Efficiency Links
TIPS - Tips for improving car fuel economy and gas mileage
OPTIONS - Car Fueling Options - Premium, Regular, Ethanol, Biodiesel
TAXES - Automobile Gas Fuel Efficiency Tax Incentives and Disincentives - Credits and Deductions
WHY - Why Consider Fuel Economy
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