Gas Gas Everyone needs Gas
Written by: Joe McCann
Hello again and thanks for tuning into this month’s edition of the McCann’s Garage automotive blog. Throughout the past year companies like Tesla and Chevrolet have been making headlines with their much-anticipated plug in electrics. The electric car powerhouse, Tesla, will be making their first deliveries of their Model 3 this July, and Chevrolet will be debuting the Bolt around the same time. The estimated range of many of these new vehicles could surpass 220 miles, which would mark the first time in history we’ve seen a practical plug in electric. With all these exciting new technologies coming into fruition many may think the trusted old gasoline powered engine is done for. However, with less than 1% of vehicles sold in the U.S making up hybrids and EV’s, I think we will unfortunately be having to gas up our old clunkers for a few more years to come. The internal combustion engine has been powering our lives for nearly 120 years, and for some reason many of us still haven’t the slightest idea what kind of gas to pump into our tank. There’s regular unleaded, premium unleaded, E85, and several others to choose from. Have you ever wondered what the hell is the difference between all these different types of fuel? Well I’m here to hopefully break it all down and maybe make some sense out of all the different options we have at the pump.
Regular Unleaded- For the majority of us drivers rolling down the highway, you’ll be happy to hear, along with your wallet, this is the only kind of gas you’ll ever need to buy. This type of fuel has a lower octane rating, which means it’s more susceptible to pre-ignition and engine knock. The only types of people who would use anything other regular unleaded, would be people who drive performance cars, or diesels.
Premium Unleaded- Premium gasoline is strictly used for performance vehicles. The reason why your Corvette or Camaro requires a different type of fuel is because they have what is called a high compression engine. Using regular unleaded in this type of vehicle could potential cause damage to the engine, due to pre-ignition of the air fuel mixture. Using premium in any other type of vehicle is a 100% waste of your money. Unfortunately, you won’t miraculously get better fuel millage in your Yukon XL because you decided to pump 30 gallons of premium into your tank.
E85- The main benefit to this type of gas is the fact that it’s cheaper. Although many people complain they get slightly less fuel millage because of its higher-octane rating. You should always remember that this type of fuel should only be used in vehicles that have been approved to burn E85. An easy way to check to see if you vehicle is equipped to burn ethanol, is to either check your owner’s manual, or to simple check your fuel cap. Most companies will use a yellow fuel cap to indicate it is safe to burn E85. If by chance you do accidently fill up with this type of fuel you shouldn’t panic. As long as you have the fuel tank drained and filled with regular unleaded permanent damage to the fuel system is unlikely.
Hopefully everyone found this information helpful and thanks for reading. If anyone has any questions regarding this month’s topic or any other blog I’ve written feel free to reach out to me at 752-8359 or at Jpm5260@gmail.com.
