Thursday, April 21, 2016

The Gasoline Price Grade Gap and the Need for Higher Octane Fuel




Over the past few yard, I have been shocked at times by the price differential between regular and premium grade gasoline. For years one paid about 10 cents a grade step for gasoline -- thus 20 cents to jump from regular to premium. But now the gap is much higher -- 45 cents or more, thus causing one to go with lower grade fuel and trusting the knock sensor to compensate for the loss in efficiency.

We know that higher octane fuel allows engines to be designed with higher compression and thus higher thermal efficiency.  We also know that higher octane fuel is a low cost remedy to carbon-dioxide reduction.  It seems that the oil companies and auto manufacturers need to come together on this important issue.

No comments:

Post a Comment