wsdmskr825 asked:


I know that Ethanol is being used as a “stretcher” by most major gasoline companies. I know that the Ethanol actually reduces your miles per gallon. What I’m wondering is are they using it as a “stretcher” in all octane levels or just regular? It seems the 10 cents more for plus around here would actually be worth it for me if I get even an extra .5 – 1 mile per gallon more.

Caffeinated Content

2 Comments so far

1. Kasey C June 24, 2009 4:15 am

   All grades.

   Actually, Ethanol is used as an oxygenator, to help improve the combustion so there’s less tail-pipe emissions. The other alternative, MTBE, was phased out by California, as MTBE is corrosive and long-term effects doesn’t look good.

   It’d be easier to save fuel by checking your tires a properly tuning up your vehicles.

2. joeschmoe June 26, 2009 3:05 am

   It’s the local governments that are requiring the addition of ethanol in gasoline sold in their jurisdiction, not the gasoline refiner companies.

   In New York State for instance, it is mandatory by law that all grades of gasoline sold in the state have 10% ethanol to cut down on smog.

   In sparsely-populated states where smog isn’t a problem, you can still find pure gasoline being sold with no ethanol added at all.

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