Jul 12 2009
Increasing availability of renewable fuels like ethanol is changing the composition of the fuels offered to American drivers. Ethanol blends like E10 (10% ethanol/90% gasoline) as well as ethanol alternatives such as E85 (85% ethanol/15% gasoline) are becoming more the norm than the exception.
With these changes in mind, the Renewable Fuels Foundation (RFF) has released its definitive resource on gasoline quality, “Changes in Gasoline Manual IV.” This manual, now in its fourth update with more than 500,000 copies in circulation, has become the definitive reference source for information on gasoline quality and its relationship to vehicle performance for auto service professionals.
“America’s desire to reduce our reliance on imported oil has led to the rapid expansion of ethanol use and ethanol-blended fuels,” said Quad County Corn Processors General Manager and RFF Chairman Mike Jerke. “The ‘Changes in Gasoline Manual’ is an essential reference for auto service providers across the country. As vehicle owners, we turn to our auto techs for reliable information on the fuels we use. This manual provides the most authoritative and relevant information available.”
The “Changes in Gasoline Manual” focuses on changes in gasoline composition resulting from the passage of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, as well as fluctuating fuel prices leading to greater interest in renewable fuels. It provides important updates in fuel quality ratings, octane ratings, ethanol fuel for non-automotive uses, and a new feature on E85 and flex-fuel vehicles designed to run on higher ethanol blends.
“With old requirements for oxygenates and other fuel additives gone and new mandates for renewable fuel use in place, it was clear the changing fuel landscape needed to be addressed,” said Robert Reynolds, President of Downstream Alternatives and lead author of the manual. “This manual addresses all the concerns from vapor pressures to octane ratings to drivability standards for all ethanol-blended fuels, including E85. It also focuses on the use of ethanol-blended fuels in non-automotive applications, a growing area of unnecessary concern for consumers. Simply put, ethanol fuels are safe and effective for use.”
A copy of the “Changes in Gasoline Manual IV” can be downloaded for free here.