Up to 10% Ethanol by Volume?

Question

Ok, So I noticed the little sticker a few weeks ago on a smaller gas station, then it seems lately a lot of the gas stations have this sticker posted all over the pump

"May contain up to 10% Ethanol by volume"

So, my question is, what exactly is Ethanol? Does it help gas mileage any? Is it kind of becoming a 'filler' for gasoline? And last, are most cars suited to run with a percentage of ethanol, or is the sticker posted so that if it causes problems with cars, it was there to warn you in the first place?

I'm just curious.

Answer 1

Ethanol will actually reduce your gas mileage as it has lower energy content per volume. It is a good octane booster, however.

Answer 2

>>  So, my question is, what exactly is Ethanol?

Basically alcohol - additive

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>> Does it help gas mileage any?

No.

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>> Is it kind of becoming a 'filler' for gasoline?

yes and no.  At 10% it helps the gas burn cleaner

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>> And last, are most cars suited to run with a percentage of ethanol,

Yes.  in NYS we've been using 10% for the last 10 years (or even longer) with no problem

Good Luck...

P.S.  Don't confuse 10% (E10) ethanol with 85% (E85) ethanol.  E85 is only for cars labeled Flex-Fuel cars.