This blog will expand on themes and topics first mentioned in my book, "The Automobile and American Life." I hope to comment on recent developments in the automobile industry, reviews of my readings on the history of the automobile, drafts of my new work, contributions from friends, descriptions of the museums and car shows I attend and anything else relevant. Copyright 2009-2020, by the author.
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.
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