Losing MPG's

TheFamousGrouse wrote:

Automotive urban legend. Higher octane is LESS volatile. The benefit of higher octane is for high compression engines because the lower volatility prevents detonation or “knocking” that occurs with the use of lower octane (more volatile) fuel. The less-volatile fuel with higher octane resists detonation and therefore stops pinging.

Because high compression engines are found in performance cars which demand higher octane fuel to run well, so began the urban legend that higher octane automatically equals higher performance. The only performance benefit from higher octane fuel in a standard engine will be if the fuel contains less or no ethanol.

Grouse

Many newer engines will modify the performance parameters based on the apparent octane of the fuel currently in the vehicle. The octane adjustment ratio is where it’s usually deciphered. (OAR). You can actually monitor it with an app after a fill up and see how the timing is changed from 87 vs 91+. No, it wont be a massive increase in performance or MPG’s, but it does make most newer engines run better.

TheFamousGrouse wrote:

In addition to tire pressure, check your air filter and airbox for a mouse nest!.

Those little buggers love to crawl in engines and build a big ol wad of whatever into a nest. I actually have found a mouse nest in my airbox in a vehicle that was kept in the garage. No idea how or where the mice came from, but luckily no other damage was done.

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>gimruis wrote:</div>
You could always fill up with a higher octane fuel too. It costs more, but you’ll get better performance too.

Automotive urban legend. Higher octane is LESS volatile. The benefit of higher octane is for high compression engines because the lower volatility prevents detonation or “knocking” that occurs with the use of lower octane (more volatile) fuel. The less-volatile fuel with higher octane resists detonation and therefore stops pinging.

Because high compression engines are found in performance cars which demand higher octane fuel to run well, so began the urban legend that higher octane automatically equals higher performance. The only performance benefit from higher octane fuel in a standard engine will be if the fuel contains less or no ethanol.

Grouse

The only way you know if higher octane will benefit is to try it or look at your owners manual to see what octane is recommended. I think most vehicles will only see a mpg increase if the higher octane gas has no ethanol

Try some CENEX fuel. Here good things about it. Their Road master diesel is supposed to be excellent.

Pat McSharry wrote:

I actually noticed my truck doesn’t like Speedy fuel too.

I found that out when I lived in Milwaukee in the 90s.Speedway=water gas.I think Speedway came after Consolidated,also known for inferior gas.

And it was SA or Speedway that were gouging right after 9-11.A few stations in Milwaukee got spanked.

How much extra weight are you carrying on the vehicle with ice and snow build up? That alone can add too less mileage.