If you own a car, you have been hit hard by the increasing gas prices. Gas prices are the highest they have been in 14 years, with the average price well over $4 per gallon. While most of us can’t avoid paying the price altogether, there are definitely steps we can take to reduce our gas usage and increase our cars’ gas mileage.
Topics: electric cars, gasoline
Recently AAA did a study of gasoline and concluded that in the long run, it is less expensive to buy TOP TIER™ gasoline than nonrated fuel especially since the price differential is only about three cents. First of all, what is TOP TIER™ gasoline? In 1995 the EPA developed a standard for detergent additives and cleaners that must be in all gasoline, but as engines advanced, automakers saw the need for a better additive package. In 2004 six automakers (General Motors (GM), BMW, Toyota, Honda, Volkswagen, and Audi) got together to create a new standard requiring significantly higher levels of cleaners, because the existing standard did not ensure optimal engine performance. If a retailer is selling TOP TIER™ gasoline, the enhanced additive package will be in all of the grades (octane levels). AAA found in the study that non-TOP TIER™ gasoline caused 19 times as many carbon deposits as TOP TIER™ gasoline. These carbon deposits will reduce fuel economy, increase emissions and degrade vehicle performance, especially on newer vehicles.
Topics: gasoline
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