Liberty Chevrolet
30400 Lyon Center Drive E ·
New Hudson,
MI
48165 ·
MAP
SALES: (248) 573-0321 · SERVICE: (248) 573-0493
SALES: (248) 573-0321 · SERVICE: (248) 573-0493
| Gas Facts Have you ever noticed one brand of gasoline tanker filling the tanks of an altogether different brand gas station? This kind of occurrence is much more common than most people expect.  Since 1994 the government has required that detergents be added to all gasoline to prevent fuel injectors from clogging. The truth of the matter is that a gas company that owns and operates a particular refinery or distribution center will likely supply gasoline to many different retailers representing many different brands of gasoline in the area. This is done in cooperation with other companies as a way of reducing the cost of shipping. All of the gasoline coming from refineries or distribution centers meets government standards. Before it is distributed to specific branded stations the base stock is combined with a package of additives designed to perform different functions. The additives are generally what distinguish one product from another and accounts for the claims made by various brands. Common gasoline additives include oxygenated compounds designed to reduce carbon monoxide while gasoline burns. Antioxidants prevent the formation of engine fouling residue. |
Ethanol Ethanol (E85) has 70% of the energy value of gasoline, thus all other things being equal, you will experience reduced fuel mileage using Ethanol. To roughly determine the economic value of using Ethanol its price should be at least 30% lower than any regular gasoline alternative. Example: Standard Gas Price - $3.50 per gallon. $3.50 x.70 = $2.45 Equivalent Ethanol (E85) price per gallon. Octane Octane rating refers to how likely a gasoline will auto ignite in the engine cylinder under pressure and temperature. Basically pinging or knocking is caused by a portion of the air fuel mixture in the cylinder igniting before it should and in turn colliding with the part that has been ignited by the spark plug. At best the problem is a pinging heard while accelerating that can graduate to a heavy knock. High performance engines as well as those under a strain like pulling a load require a higher-octane fuel to prevent engine knock. If your vehicle runs without knocks or pings on 87-octane fuel there is no upside to paying more for a higher-octane fuel.  |