Why is No Ethanol Added to 95 Octane Gasoline?
2 Answers
Ethanol gasoline costs continue to rise, and gas stations are facing increasing sales pressure, so 95 octane gasoline temporarily does not contain ethanol. Compared with traditional gasoline, the biggest advantage of ethanol gasoline is that it can effectively reduce the emission of pollutants in vehicle exhaust. However, the retail price of ethanol is not much different from that of regular gasoline, but with the recent rise in the price of raw materials such as corn, the cost of ethanol has increased. Precautions for Using Ethanol Gasoline: Ethanol is a hydrophilic liquid and easily soluble in water, unlike gasoline, which can separate from water, with water settling at the bottom of the fuel tank. Therefore, when using ethanol gasoline for the first time, the fuel tank should be checked to see if the water content exceeds the standard and affects the engine's operation. During initial use of ethanol gasoline, carefully observe and adjust the engine for any significant abnormalities; long-term use requires consideration of whether the rubber and organic components in the fuel system are resistant to alcohol corrosion. Advantages and Disadvantages of Ethanol Gasoline: Advantages: Energy-saving and environmentally friendly, with low cost; ethanol gasoline is a mixture of regular gasoline and 10% fuel ethanol. It is a renewable resource processed from certain grains and various plant fibers. Using ethanol gasoline can not only diversify the energy structure and ensure energy security but also replace some petroleum, reducing dependence on foreign oil. Additionally, it has a cleaning effect, removing carbon deposits from the engine. Exhaust emissions are relatively lower, which can to some extent improve air pollution. Disadvantages: Ethanol burns slower than gasoline, which can lead to reduced vehicle power, poor acceleration performance, and increased fuel consumption. Secondly, ethanol is easily soluble in water. When the water content in ethanol gasoline exceeds standard levels, phase separation can easily occur, leading to fuel stratification in vehicles parked for long periods, making them difficult to start. Moreover, due to the high oxygen content in ethanol gasoline, prolonged use can corrode the exhaust pipe.
I always drive, and 95-octane gasoline usually doesn't contain ethanol because it maintains high-octane performance. The addition of ethanol can reduce fuel density, leading to incomplete combustion and increased fuel consumption, which is particularly damaging to high-end engines. Cars are designed with compatibility for pure gasoline in mind, and adding ethanol may corrode the fuel tank and fuel injectors, increasing maintenance costs. Chinese standards stipulate that 95-octane remains pure, while 92-octane often contains ethanol to reduce exhaust emissions—a trade-off for environmental protection. However, for daily use, ethanol-free gasoline is more reliable, reducing the risk of malfunctions and improving driving smoothness. Remember to check fuel quality regularly and avoid using lower-octane fuel by mistake.
