What are the types of gasoline?
2 Answers
Automotive gasoline is divided into two categories: leaded gasoline and unleaded gasoline, and there is also a type called ethanol gasoline. Leaded gasoline, also known as leaded petrol, refers to gasoline that has a certain amount of tetraethyl lead added to it. Tetraethyl lead is a highly effective anti-knock additive for gasoline. Typically, adding 0.1% tetraethyl lead to straight-run gasoline can increase its octane number by 14 to 17 units. Unleaded gasoline refers to gasoline with a lead content below 0.013g/L, which does not have tetraethyl lead added as an anti-knock additive during refining. It is commonly abbreviated as ULP (Un-Leaded Petro). Unleaded gasoline contains only trace amounts of lead derived from crude oil, generally about one-hundredth of a gram per liter. Its octane number is 95, slightly lower than the octane number (97) of other grades of leaded gasoline currently available. Using unleaded gasoline can effectively control harmful substances in vehicle exhaust, reducing pollutants such as hydrocarbons (HC, which cause smog), carbon monoxide (CO, which is toxic), and nitrogen oxides (NOx, which contribute to acid rain). Ethanol gasoline is a new alternative energy source formed by blending fuel ethanol, processed from grains and various plant fibers, with regular gasoline in a certain proportion. Using ethanol gasoline in vehicles does not significantly alter engine performance without modifications, while it reduces CO and HC emissions by an average of over 30%, effectively lowering and minimizing harmful exhaust emissions.
Having driven various cars for so many years, I know there are generally three types of gasoline: regular (87 octane), mid-grade (89 octane), and premium (91 or 93 octane). Higher octane indicates better resistance to engine knocking, allowing smoother operation in high-compression engines. Regular is the cheapest and suits most daily drivers; mid-grade is a balanced option; premium costs more but is ideal for high-performance or turbocharged engines. I've also noticed gas station brands differ in quality—some include detergents that protect engines. Don't randomly switch types to save money, as it may harm your car. Consistently checking your owner’s manual for recommendations is foolproof. Ethanol blends like E10 are trending—eco-friendly but may slightly increase fuel consumption. Choose wisely based on budget and vehicle specs.