Ethanol-free fuel and ethanol-blended biofuel are the two most popular petrols today. However, they have different properties, advantages, and disadvantages. So, can you mix ethanol and non ethanol gas in car? It is a question that many drivers want to know.
The premium blending properties of two gasses do not cause any great danger for car engines. But, it’s important to make sure the balance of ethanol for your engine.
The following article will go deeper to help you learn more about these two types of gasoline.
Can You Mix Ethanol And Non Ethanol Gas In Car?
The answer is a big yes. In fact, most cars use a blend of 15% ethanol in E15 and ethanol-free gas. The percentage of ethanol can go up to 85% for E85. For a more detailed explanation, scroll down!
What Is Ethanol & Non Ethanol Gas?
Ethanol is a flex fuel with the chemical formula C2H5OH. People call it biomass – a mixture of various agricultural products such as sugarcane, wheat, corn, barley, etc.
It is a flammable liquid and one of the ingredients of alcoholic beverages. Also, this form of alcohol is a familiar colorless liquid in organic chemicals production.
In addition, it is also known as ethyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol, or industrial alcohol. Because ethanol is a great potential fuel source, many people apply it in various aspects of life.
Currently, people often mix ethanol into gasoline in different proportions. Petrol types that do not contain ethanol are called non-ethanol gas.
What Are They Used For?
People use it in the manufacture of drugs. In beauty products, it is a common ingredient to dissolve substances and prevent the formation of crystallization from the ingredients in the formula.
People mix ethanol with gasoline to create a fuel mixture. Instead of the original one, many drivers use this mixture for their internal combustion engines. They also use it as a fuel for alcohol lamps in laboratories.
In addition, because of its low freezing point, people apply it in antifreeze products. Manufacturers also apply it as a raw material for organic compounds production such as diethyl ether, acetic acid, etc.
Non-ethanol gas is used as a fuel for machinery engines. You can use it for cars, boats, lawnmowers, or different tools.
Can You Mix Ethanol Free Gas With Regular Gas?
Again, it’s a 100% yes.
When you pour ethanol into ethanol free gas for cars, you will create a new blend. If you do the opposite, the percentage of ethanol will decrease.
Many people ask “Is 10 ethanol bad for your car?” 10 or E10 means the concentration of ethanol is 10%. The answer is NO. If your engine is compatible with both gasoline, not much will change if you mix them.
The balance of ethanol concentration is usually no more than 85%. If you do not know how to test for bad gasoline, you can do it by checking the ethanol by volume in the fuel.
Is Ethanol Free Gas Good For Your Car?
Pros
Improve Mileage
Pure unadulterated petrol brings more power to your car. It not only increases mileage but also helps you save more fuel.
Most petrol on the market today is a mixture of gasoline and ethanol. According to many experts, mixing ethanol into gasoline reduces fuel economy by about 3%.
This percentage can increase over time if you keep using it for a long time.
Less Harmful Car’s Engine
Non ethanol gas good for cars is undoubtedly. The fact that gasoline contains ethanol causes more problems for your engine. Rust and increased vapor pressure in the carburetor are the most common problems.
Moreover, older model engines that are incompatible with blended fuel often cannot use this petrol. Ethanol-free gasoline can help you overcome these difficulties.
No Need To Depend On Ethanol Crops
Ethanol plants produce it from crops. When the consumption in ethanol production increases, human consumption has to rely more on these plants.
The ethanol production industry will put pressure on the agricultural sector. And using ethanol-free gas is the way to reduce this dependence.
Longer Use Time
You can use ethanol-free gasoline for six months if you store it properly. Meanwhile, the time for gasoline with ethanol is three months.
Cons
Emission
One of the main problems when using gasoline without added ethanol is the air quality effect. The combustion of a fuel produces a significant amount of evaporative emission.
It contributes to air pollution and global warming.
Depending On The Oil Industry
Many countries cannot produce gasoline and must import from other countries. Using non-ethanol gas means that the amount of pure fuel needed will be higher.
And these countries must be more dependent on the countries that produce gasoline. Any fluctuations or fuel crises could affect importing countries.
Higher Price
Unmixed gasoline is more expensive than ethanol-containing gasoline. Because of this, you should consider choosing the right fuel for your needs.
Less Common
Due to environmental protection issues, gasoline with ethanol is widely used and gradually replaces ethanol-free gas.
Vehicle fuel stations all give preference to these consumer products. For this reason, you may not find pure fuel in some stores.
Is Ethanol In Gas Good Or Bad?
Pros
Environmental Friendly
One advantage of this petrol is to reduce evaporative emission. The main compositions of gasoline are carbon and hydrogen. Fuel combustion usually uses only hydrogen gas.
Part of the carbon gas is converted into carbon dioxide, which pollutes the environment.
Ethanol contains less carbon in its composition. So, cars running on gasoline containing it have almost half the CO2 emissions lower than regular one.
Low Price
Anhydrous ethanol is from plant materials such as wheat, corn, sugarcane, or barley. These are low-cost seasonal crops.
Therefore, the fuel cost is not too high. Ethanol production helps to decrease the cost of domestic gasoline supply.
Safe
The research octane number (RON) is an important metric to measure the performance of an engine or fuel. Because it is a high-octane fuel, gasoline-containing ethanol is often more resistant to detonation.
Benefit For The Economy
Ethanols are commercial products. Increasing the use of fuels containing ethanol is a way to help the agricultural economy.
Farmers who grow sugar cane, wheat, or corn can expand their farming scale as they find ethanol production facilities as the out-puts for their crops.
For countries with an agricultural economy, ethanol production contributes to overall economic development. In addition, people’s incomes have also increased.
Be Independent In Fuel Manufacturing
Not every country has enough conditions to exploit and make gasoline. Many countries have to depend on petrol producers because they need to import gasoline.
If they can produce anhydrous ethanol and use it to run engines, the level of dependence on the fuel industry of these countries will be less.
Cons
Low Capacity
Despite being an eco-friendly petrol, gasoline containing ethanol produces less energy than regular one. With an equal amount, the distance you can travel with biofuel is shorter.
So, you have to use more fuel to ensure efficiency on the road.
Requires The Design Of Specialized Vehicle Parts
Using ethanol-containing gasoline creates some adverse effects. It can rust, clog the fuel filter, or increase the pressure in the engine. This leads to the lock of the vapor in the carburetor.
Many people do not know what the check fuel fill inlet means, and this is the answer. It is fitted to the engine to check for any ethanol vapors or leakage near the fuel inlet.
Not all vehicles are suitable for this biofuel. With small engines, this situation will be more serious.
Can Any Car Use Ethanol Free Gas Or Ethanol?
Currently, bio-gasoline has become a popular fuel. Moderate ethanol consumption of less than 10% ( E10 gasoline 10% ethanol) is perfect for most cars.
However, older models with inflexible engines are often not suitable for this gasoline. These vehicle models include:
- Audi A3 2000 and earlier
- Mazda3, Mazda6 before 7/2005
- Suzuki manufactured before 2008
- 2002 – 2004 Ford Focus
- Transits before 2004
Bio-gasoline is gradually replacing pure fuel. You may not find this fuel at some petrol stations. If you wonder what cars use ethanol free gas, the answer is most of them.
So, when you accidentally put non ethanol gas in my car, it will not harm the engine.
FAQs
Is It Better To Use Non-ethanol Gas?
The answer is not sure. Depending on the preferences and needs of each person, they can decide whether non-ethanol or ethanol gas is better.
Biofuel helps to protect the environment but brings low performance. Meanwhile, ethanol free gas for cars has a higher cost and saves fuel.
Is Ethanol Free Gas Better For Older Cars?
YES. This petrol is better for flexible fuel vehicles. Old cars with inflexible engines are not suitable for mixed petrol. Their fuel tank material is usually metal. Ethanol can absorb water and cause severe rust.
It can also cause corrosion of rubber or glass. It is better to choose non-ethanol gasoline to avoid causing damage to older models.
How Long Will Ethanol Free Gas Last?
Although still oxidized or evaporated, ethanol-free gas can last for six months. Meanwhile, this time for ethanol is only about three months. Because of this, pure gasoline is often easier to store.
Final Words
Now, you know the answer to the question: Can you mix ethanol and non ethanol gas in car. Your engine still operates well with the suitable ratio blend of gasoline.
Currently, gasoline with ethanol is more common because it produces fewer emissions into the air.
However, ethanol-free fuel offers more road performance and economy. Drivers should take a look and check their engines to see which type of gasoline is more suitable.