Can someone here explain the differences between "winter blend" gas as opposed to summer? I've heard that the two are different, but I wasn't turning up very useful information when I did an internet search.

Also, would the winter gas cause my MPG to drop by about 2? During the summer I was probably averaging around 27 MPG, and now I'm down to around 24-25. Same commute, driving habits, etc.

 

Winter gas contains a higher level of MTBE. MTBE (methyl tertiary-butyl ether) is a chemical compound that is manufactured through the chemical reaction of methanol and isobutylene. MTBE is produced in very large quantities (over 200,000 barrels per day in the U.S. in 1999) and is almost exclusively used as a fuel additive in motor gasoline. It is one of a group of chemicals commonly known as "oxygenates" because they raise the oxygen content of gasoline. At room temperature, MTBE is a volatile, flammable and colorless liquid that dissolves rather easily in water.

MTBE has been used in U.S. gasoline at low levels since 1979 to replace lead as an octane enhancer (helps prevent the engine from "knocking"). Since 1992, MTBE has been used at higher concentrations in some gasoline to fulfill the oxygenate requirements set by Congress in the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. (A few cities, such as Denver, used oxygenates (MTBE) at higher concentrations during the wintertime in the late 1980's.)

 

too bad the damage has already been done...once MTBE gets into the water supply, it spreads rapidly, and it cannot b destroyed by chlorine or other chemicals...there was a 60 Minutes on this bout a year ago...they cited towns that used MTBE and how a rare cancer was diagnosed due to MTBE in the water supply...i believe MTBE is being phased out and replaced by natural oxygenates such as soybean or corn

also, the 60 Minutes program showed how the use of MTBE did NOT reduce emissions by vehicles nearly as much as was intended

 

You can expect a 10-15% hit in gas mileage with an oxygenated fuel.. YMMV

 

That seems about right with what I've been getting lately. Do all of the colder regions switch to oxygenated fuel in the winter-time? And what are it's advantages in colder weather?

 

This link might help...

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/oxygenate.htm

 

Yes SIR.

Toronto , it's about -10C or about 25-30F. I consumed half a tank of fuel in no time yesterday (

 

i use 76 gas. no mtbe whatsoever. and i get aprox 22mpg with like 85% freeway driving

 

NSXNEXT - say hey to Jaws!

 

Pure gasoline won't burn below -44C (flash point of gasoline). If they don't add to the fuel, then your car won't start when it's really cold.