What to Pay Attention to Before Adding Ethanol Gasoline
2 Answers
Points to note before adding ethanol gasoline are as follows: 1. Clean the fuel system and fuel tank: Before using ethanol gasoline, be sure to clean the fuel system and fuel tank as required. 2. Adjust the ignition timing slightly in advance according to the specific characteristics of the vehicle: Generally, it is 2-5 degrees, which can solve the phenomenon of sluggish vehicle response and slow acceleration. 3. Replace the carburetor float: Since the original carburetor float is made of light foam plastic material, cracks will appear after using ethanol gasoline, affecting the stability of the fuel level. You can prepare a spare float and replace it at any time.
Well, I think before adding ethanol-blended gasoline, you should first check if your car can handle it. Many new cars nowadays are fine, but older models or certain imported vehicles might not tolerate high ethanol ratios—anything above E10 requires caution. Otherwise, you might experience engine knocking or even cylinder scoring. I learned this the hard way when I lazily filled up with E15 once, and it led to water accumulation in the fuel tank, requiring a costly cleaning. So always consult the manual or ask the dealership to confirm the safe ethanol content before refueling. Also, make sure the gas station labels are clear to avoid accidentally mixing it with regular gasoline. Ethanol is highly hygroscopic, meaning it easily absorbs moisture, which can lead to rust in the tank—so always tighten the fuel cap properly. For long-term use, it’s wise to occasionally use fuel system cleaners. While ethanol’s eco-friendliness reduces emissions, compatibility risks are serious. New drivers or those who just bought a used car shouldn’t take chances—better to test with a small tank first and see how it runs.
