[thechat] gas prices..

[Norman Bunn]

Then why does the FTC say this?

"The Low-Down on High Octane Gasoline

September 1997

Are you tempted to buy a high octane gasoline for your car because you want
to improve its performance? If so, take note: the recommended gasoline for
most cars is regular octane. In fact, in most cases, using a higher octane
gasoline than your owner's manual recommends offers absolutely no benefit.
It won't make your car perform better, go faster, get better mileage or run
cleaner. Your best bet: listen to your owner's manual.

The only time you might need to switch to a higher octane level is if your
car engine knocks when you use the recommended fuel. This happens to a small
percentage of cars.

Unless your engine is knocking, buying higher octane gasoline is a waste of
money, too. Premium gas costs 15 to 20 cents per gallon more than regular.
That can add up to $100 or more a year in extra costs. Studies indicate that
altogether, drivers may be spending hundreds of millions of dollars each
year for higher octane gas than they need."
- http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/autos/octane.htm

Norman


> You do get better gas mileage, but I've experimented with all 3 grades
> usually available 'Merican pumps and the overall cost is a wash. More MPG
> for higher octane, but not enough to offset the higher cost.
>
> Thanks,
> Ron White
>
>
> Hmmm... if I remember correctly octane has to do with the ignition point
of
> the fuel when pressurized in the cylinder; used in high compression, high
> performance engines where "dieseling" would be a problem - like my Triumph
> Trophy:), but not my minivan! :(
>
> http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/autos/octane.htm
> http://www.chevron.com/prodserv/api_octane.html
> http://www.encyclopedia.com/articles/09474.html
>
> Not sure it necessarily leads to the benefits you listed.
>
> Norman
>
> >
> > A UK 'imperial' gallon is more than a US gallon, and, I think you'll
find,
> ours
> > is a higher octane (better quality, cleaner burn, less damage, better
mpg)
> >
> >
> > Garry
> >