Mercedes Mullins
The terms fuel and gas are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Fuel is a generic term for any substance that can be used as an energy source, such as wood, uranium, or oil. Gas, on the other hand, is a specific type of fuel that is typically found in a gaseous state, like natural gas, which is used for heating and cooking. When it comes to cars, the type of fuel most commonly used is gasoline, also known as petrol, which is derived from petroleum. This is different from gas, which is a gaseous fuel. The use of the terms gas and petrol varies depending on the region, with gas being commonly used in the US and petrol being used in the UK and other countries.
Characteristics of Fuel and Gas for Cars
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Any substance that can provide energy to do mechanical work |
| Gas | A natural fuel found under the surface of the earth, used for heating and cooking |
| Gasoline | A fuel that powers cars, also known as petrol outside of the US |
| Octane Number | A measure of the stability of gasoline, with higher numbers indicating greater stability |
| Grades of Gasoline | Regular, Mid-Grade, Premium |
| Regular Gasoline | Typically has an octane level of 87, suitable for most engines |
| Mid-Grade Gasoline | Usually has an octane level of 89 |
| Premium Gasoline | Has the highest octane level (91-94), recommended for high-output engines |
| Engine Knocking | Premature detonation of the air-fuel mixture, causing a knocking sound; higher octane gasoline reduces knocking |
| Gasoline Composition | A mixture of hydrocarbons, paraffins (alkanes), olefins (alkenes), naphthenes (cycloalkanes), and aromatics |
| Gasoline Blendstocks | Produced by petroleum refineries, blended with other liquids to make finished motor gasoline |
| Ethanol Blends | Some gasoline blends contain ethanol, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions |
| Seasonal Variations | Gasoline formulation changes between winter and summer, mainly in vapor pressure |
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What You'll Learn
Gasoline is a type of fuel
The performance specifications of gasoline vary with the season, requiring less volatile blends during the summer to minimize evaporative losses. The formulation of gasoline also differs depending on the location where it is sold. Federal and state air pollution control programs require the use of oxygenated, reformulated, and low-volatility gasoline to reduce carbon monoxide, smog, and air toxins. The main difference between winter- and summer-grade gasoline is vapor pressure, which is important for an automobile engine to work properly.
The octane rating of gasoline is a measurement of the fuel's stability. Higher octane numbers mean greater stability and resistance to preignition and "knocking" or "pinging" during combustion. The octane rating averages two testing methods: the research octane number (RON) under idle conditions and the motor octane number (MON) under higher engine speed. The octane rating of gasoline grades varies by region, climate, and time of year.
Gasoline is produced at blending terminals, where gasoline blendstocks, finished gasoline, and fuel ethanol are blended to produce different grades and formulations. Ethanol is added to gasoline to meet the Renewable Fuel Standard, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the amount of oil imported by the United States. In the United States, most finished motor gasoline contains about 10% fuel ethanol by volume.
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Octane number/rating
The octane number or rating is a standardised measure of a fuel's stability and its resistance to spontaneous combustion. The higher the octane number, the more stable the fuel.
Octane is a hydrocarbon that results from the processing of petroleum into gasoline. The octane rating is an average of two different octane rating methods: the research octane number (RON) and the motor octane number (MON). The RON is determined by testing the fuel under engine idle conditions with a low air temperature and slow engine speed. The MON, on the other hand, is determined by testing the fuel under more stressful conditions of higher air temperature and engine speed.
The octane rating of a fuel is important because it indicates the fuel's ability to resist "knocking" or "pinging" during combustion. Knocking occurs when the air-fuel mixture combusts spontaneously instead of being ignited by the spark plug, causing a rapid pressure rise that can damage the engine. Modern cars have sensors that can detect knocking from lower octane fuel and compensate by delaying spark timing through the engine computer. However, if the manufacturer's octane requirement is ignored long-term, it could cause damage to the engine.
It is important to note that selecting a higher-octane gasoline does not necessarily provide better mileage or more power for your vehicle. The best octane to use is the one recommended by the vehicle manufacturer in the owner's manual. Using a lower-octane fuel than required can cause knocking and reduce the vehicle's fuel economy, while using a higher-grade gasoline than recommended can add to the cost of fuel.
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Gasoline blends
Ethanol-gasoline blends, for example, offer higher octane ratings, resulting in smoother engine operation and improved power output. The octane rating of a gasoline blend is a measure of its stability, with higher numbers indicating greater stability and resistance to preignition and "knocking" or "pinging" during combustion. Knocking occurs when the fuel-air mixture detonates prematurely in the engine, which can be reduced by increasing the gasoline's resistance to autoignition.
E10 and E85 are common ethanol-gasoline blends. E10 comprises 10% ethanol mixed with petrol, enhancing octane levels and reducing emissions. It is widely used in regions aiming for cleaner-burning fuels. E85, on the other hand, contains up to 85% ethanol and is used in flex-fuel vehicles, promoting renewable fuel adoption and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Biodiesel blends, such as B5 or B20, are also available and can be blended with on-road and off-road diesel to reduce emissions and meet regulatory standards.
In addition to the various blends available, seasonal changes in gasoline blends are also implemented. During the winter, a higher Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) blend is used, which is mostly due to a higher percentage of butane in the fuel mixture. Butane has high volatility and vaporizes at lower temperatures, making it easier to start your car's engine in cold weather. The transition from summer- to winter-blend gasoline typically occurs in September or October, with northern states adopting the winter blend first and the process reversing in the spring, starting in the south and moving north.
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Natural gas
CNG is stored in high-pressure cylinders, while LNG is stored in cryogenic cylinders at extremely low temperatures. LNG offers a greater energy density than CNG, making it a more suitable fuel option for vehicles that travel long distances. The advantages of natural gas as a transportation fuel include its availability, widespread distribution infrastructure, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional gasoline and diesel fuels.
The engine of a CNG vehicle functions similarly to a gasoline engine. Natural gas is stored in a fuel tank or cylinder, typically at the back of the vehicle. The CNG fuel system transfers high-pressure gas from the fuel tank through the fuel lines, where a pressure regulator reduces the pressure to a compatible level for the engine fuel injection system. The fuel is then introduced into the intake manifold or combustion chamber, where it is mixed with air, compressed, and ignited by a spark plug.
NGVs are a popular choice for high-mileage, centrally fueled fleets, especially in Latin America and Pakistan. As of 2016, the US had a fleet of 160,000 NGVs, including 3,176 LNG vehicles. Other countries where natural gas-powered buses are common include India, Australia, Argentina, Germany, and Greece.
Existing gasoline or diesel vehicles can be converted to run on natural gas, with dedicated or bi-fuel options available. Bi-fuel vehicles have two separate fueling systems, allowing them to run on either natural gas or gasoline. Heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks and buses can also be converted, utilizing spark ignition systems or hybrid electric motor configurations.
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Gasoline grades
Regular unleaded gas, typically with an 87 octane level, is the lowest octane fuel and is suitable for most standard vehicles. It is also the cheapest and most commonly used grade of gasoline. Mid-grade gasoline, usually with an 89 octane level, is considered a middle-range fuel used in vehicles that require a slightly higher octane rating but not premium. Premium gasoline, with octane levels of 91-94, is the highest-octane fuel available and is designed for higher-performance vehicles or those with turbocharged engines and high compression ratios. It is also marketed under names such as "Super Premium," "Ultra," or "Ultimate."
The octane rating of gasoline is based on two testing methods: the research octane number (RON) under idle conditions and the motor octane number (MON) under higher engine speeds. The octane rating on a gas pump sticker is the average of these two values, denoted as (R+M)/2. The exact octane levels offered at gas stations can vary by region, climate, and time of year.
In addition to the three main grades of gasoline, some stations offer ethanol-free 90-octane gasoline, marketed as "recreational fuel" or REC-90. This fuel is often used in non-transportation equipment such as marine engines, lawnmowers, and generators. Flex Fuel, or E85, is another option available at some gas stations. It is a blend of gasoline and ethanol, containing up to 85% ethanol and at least 15% gasoline. E85 is intended for flex-fuel vehicles only, which usually have a yellow fuel cap to remind owners of the dangers of using regular gasoline in these models.
It is important to consult the vehicle's owner's manual to determine the recommended octane level and fuel type. Using a higher octane fuel than recommended may not provide any additional benefits and can be more expensive. Conversely, using a lower octane fuel than recommended may reduce performance and cause damage over time.
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Frequently asked questions
"Gas" is a term used in the US to refer to the petroleum that powers cars, which is called petrol in other countries. Fuel, on the other hand, is any substance that can be used to produce energy. This includes gasoline/petrol, but also other substances like wood, uranium, and even food.
Gasoline is a mixture of hydrocarbons with between four and twelve carbon atoms per molecule. It is produced by petroleum refineries, which create gasoline blending components that are then blended with other liquids to make finished motor gasoline.
The octane rating of gasoline refers to the stability of the fuel and its resistance to preignition, which can cause knocking or pinging in the engine. The octane level of regular unleaded gas is typically around 87, while premium gas has levels of 91-94.
Yes, there are different grades of gasoline, including regular, mid-grade, and premium. The grade of gasoline you should use depends on your car's engine and the manufacturer's recommendations. Using a higher grade of gasoline than recommended may not provide any benefits and could be more expensive.
