Can Gasoline Cars Use Methanol?

[ChristianRose]

Typically, gasoline cars cannot use methanol. Only dedicated methanol-fueled vehicles can use methanol as fuel. The disadvantages of directly using methanol in ordinary gasoline cars are as follows: 1. Methanol is corrosive. During combustion, methanol produces formic acid and formaldehyde, which can corrode the metal and rubber components of the engine system. These materials are typical in gasoline-fueled vehicles. Minor issues may include difficulty starting the car or fuel leaks, while severe cases can lead to the complete scrapping of the vehicle. 2. Methanol fuel is toxic. Methanol can irritate the conjunctiva of the eyes and enter the human body through the respiratory tract, digestive tract, and skin, stimulating the nerves and causing symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, vision impairment, and metabolic acidosis. Methanol is not easily excreted from the body and can accumulate. Ingesting more than 4 grams can lead to poisoning reactions, and severe cases can result in death.

[DeHector]

Gasoline cars must never use methanol directly as fuel. Methanol is highly corrosive and can gradually erode metal and rubber components in the vehicle, such as the fuel tank, fuel lines, or fuel injectors. Over time, this may lead to fuel leaks or engine damage. Additionally, methanol burns less efficiently than gasoline, causing the engine to overheat easily, resulting in poor performance and higher fuel consumption. I’ve seen many people try adding methanol to save money, only to end up spending a fortune on repairs—far outweighing any savings. Another issue is that methanol absorbs water, so leaving the car unused for a few days may lead to water accumulation, rust, and accelerated aging. If you really want an alternative fuel, consider other options like high-octane gasoline additives, which are at least safe and reliable. In short, don’t experiment recklessly—sticking to factory settings is the most hassle-free way to avoid trouble.

[AlexisAnn]

From a technical perspective, gasoline vehicles are designed to match the chemical properties of gasoline, and methanol is not suitable. Methanol burns at a lower temperature, and insufficient cooling can cause the engine to overheat and damage components. Although it has a high octane rating, its energy density is low, meaning more fuel is needed to cover the same distance, which can be more costly. Additionally, methanol can corrode aluminum and rubber materials, such as fuel pump seals, quickly leading to leakage risks. Modern vehicle ECUs control the fuel injection ratio, and mismatches can cause engine shaking or stalling. Some racing cars use methanol blends for performance enhancements, but that requires replacing the entire system, which is costly and impractical. For everyday driving, it's best to stick with standard gasoline. Follow the vehicle maintenance guidelines to avoid unnecessary damage.

[DeCourtney]

Adding methanol to gasoline cars? It doesn't save money but causes losses. Methanol may seem cheap, but it quickly damages fuel lines and engines, with repair costs far exceeding savings. For example, it corrodes fuel tank walls, and fixing leaks starts at thousands of yuan. Poor engine combustion increases fuel consumption, making it a losing proposition in the long run. I know a driver who tried a small mix ratio and ended up stranded on the road, with towing and repair costs emptying his pockets. The high cost of modifications, including material replacements and system adjustments, makes the risk too great. It's advisable to use standard gasoline and save money through efficient driving habits, like regular maintenance to reduce wear. Remember, being penny-wise and pound-foolish.