This article first ran in the Floyd Press on July 21, 2011
Until recently, drivers of the average automobile had only to decide between grades of unleaded gasoline. These days, the pumps offer more options, including unleaded fuels that contain a percentage of ethanol. Signs popping up around the New River Valley declaring “No Ethanol” suggest that drivers should be wary of these new hybrid fuels, but is it a marketing ploy or a valid warning?
“There are valid concerns about ethanol,” said Joey Kaylor, owner and lead mechanic at Protocol Automotive in Floyd. “The short version is that ethanol was added to oxygenate gas but it affects the life of the fuel.”
In general, Kaylor finds that using gas with ethanol isn’t problematic in and of itself. But for vehicles, lawn mowers or other gas-powered equipment that may sit stationary for any length of time, fuel with the ethanol additive could crystallize, leading to a very hard film that has to be physically scraped from the fuel system, an extensive and expensive process.
“The number one problem we see with small engines in the spring is gas that has crystallized in the engine over the winter,” Kaylor said. “Adding a fuel stabilizer, which can be purchased at any auto parts store, to engines that sit for a week or longer between starts is a cheap insurance policy to avoid serious damage and expensive repairs.”
Kaylor also adds that drivers may notice a change in fuel mileage with ethanol-inclusive fuels, though whether the change is for the better or worse will depend on the vehicle and batch of gas.
“Like most things with cars, just being thoughtful about your decisions will extend the life of your vehicle and ultimately lead to fewer and less expensive repair bills,” said Kaylor.
