8.5 Can I improve fuel economy by using quality gasolines?
Description
This article is from the Gasoline FAQ, by Bruce Hamilton with numerous contributions by others.
8.5 Can I improve fuel economy by using quality gasolines?
Yes, several manufacturers have demonstrated that their new gasoline additive
packages are more effective than traditional gasoline formulations. Texaco
claimed their new vapour-phase fuel additive can reduce existing deposits by
up to 30%, improve fuel economy, and reduce NOx tailpipe emissions by 15%,
when compared to other advanced liquid phase additives [49]. The advertising
claims have been successfully disputed in court by Chevron - who demonstrated
that their existing fuel additive already offered similar benefits. Other
reputable gasoline manufacturers will have similar additive packages in their
premium quality gasolines [50]. Quality gasolines, of whatever octane
ratings, will include a full range of gasoline additives designed to provide
consistent fuel quality.
Note that oxygenated gasolines must decrease fuel economy for the same power.
If your engine is initially well-tuned on hydrocarbon gasolines, the
stoichiometry will move to lean, and maximum power is slightly rich, so
either the management system ( if you have one ) or your mechanic has to
increase the fuel flow. The minor improvements in combustion efficiency that
oxygenates may provide, can not compensate for 2+% of oxygen in the fuel
that will not provide energy.
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