How octane effects on mileage?

Octane rating does not relate to the energy content of the fuel. It is only a measure of the fuel’s tendency to burn in a controlled manner, rather than exploding in an uncontrolled manner. You will get the same mileage and horsepower at any level. Octane is the gas companies biggest scam ever and you only need the minimum required by your engine so that there is no knocking. If you don’t believe me look it up.

Gas Guy,
That might be true where you live. If all the grades of gas has ethanol, octane rating doesn’t matter.

Ethanol contains approximately 34% less energy per unit then gasoline. At the 10% blend we are forced to buy now, on older vehicles mileage will drop about 3 percent. Newer Flex Fuel Vehicles take care of this, but for 90% of the cars on the road that aren’t Flex Fuel, this is degrading on mileage.

For now, running high octane non ethanol gas (where you can find it) seems to boost mileage about 3%. Not related to the octane, but the 0% ethanol level.

Sources:

-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethanol_fuel#Fuel_economy
-Various local forums

Questions or problems regarding this web site should be directed to: support@ohiopetroleum.net
Copyright © 2012 [Ohio Petroleum Organization LLC]. All rights reserved.
Last modified: 02/17/25