A definition and discussion on octane
What is it and should it affect drivers’ decisions at the pump?
Anyone who has ever driven their vehicles into a filling station is no doubt familiar with the word “octane.” But few drivers may know what octane refers to and how it might affect their vehicles.
According to Kelley Blue Book®, octane is a colorless component that boils at high temperatures. Octane is added to fuels, including gasoline used in vehicles, to eliminate preignition in combustion engines. The higher the octane rating, which is a measure of a fuel’s ability to resist “knocking” or “pinging,” the less likely the fuel is going to explode unexpectedly. In fact, KBB notes that gasoline with a high octane rating can withstand more compression than gas with a low octane rating.
So what does this mean for the average driver when he or she arrives at the pump and has to choose between 87, 89 or 93 octane gasoline? Likely very little. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that most gasoline vehicles are designed to run on 87 octane gasoline. However, some vehicles are still designed to run on higher octane fuel, so drivers should always consult their owners’ manuals to determine which octane is best for their vehicles.
Using a lower octane fuel than the one mentioned by the vehicle manufacturer can damage the engine over time. The DOE even notes that using a fuel with an octane rating other than the one recommended by the vehicle manufacturer may actually void the warranty. That gives drivers even greater incentive to consult their owner’s manuals before filling up for the first time.
Drivers may wonder if using a higher octane fuel than the one recommended by their car’s manufacturer will improve performance. And in certain instances, it might. The DOE notes that higher octane fuel may improve performance and gas mileage and reduce carbon emissions when towing or carrying heavy loads. However, there’s typically no such benefit when driving in normal conditions.
Drivers encounter octane any
Office, 22670 Washington Street, Leonardtown. If you own or have an interest in hot rods, classic, custom or antique cars, go to www.stmarysrodandclassic.com. Supporting the community since 1985.
meets the first Wednesday of each month at the Baden Volunteer Fire House in Baden. Members and guests may arrive as early as 7 p.m. for a social time of coffee and donuts with the meeting beginning at 7:30. All are welcome. Call Paul at 301-751-5705 or Roger at 301-466-7118.
will be held from 6-9 p.m. in the Greene Turtle parking lot, 3213 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater. Cruiseins are open to cars of all types. Call Reggie at 410-610-4440.
invites car enthusiasts and their vehicles to meet and check out great cars the third Sunday of each month, weather permitting, from 7:30-10 a.m. time they Learning and what visit a filling station. more about octane it does for vehicles at Advance Auto Parts, 30340 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall. Visit www.facebook.com/ CarsAndCoffeeSOMD.
is held from 5-9 p.m. every Wednesday from April 3-October 30. Vehicles meet behind the Upper Marlboro Ford dealership at Marlboro Square Advance Auto Parts, 5775 Crain Highway, Upper Marlboro. All vehicles are welcome. For more info, call Van at 301-8736413, Leroy at 2401-210-3963 or David at 240-416-4974.
will be held 8-10:30 a.m. every Sunday at the parking lot of the Accokeek Burger King, 15793 Livingston Road, Accokeek. Call Bobby at 240-682-6432 or Mike at 301-843-1660.
Southern Maryland’s longest running Cruise-in, now in its 14th year, runs every Wednesday through October from 5 p.m. until dark. The Cruise-in takes place at can help drivers become more informed motorists. the Shops at Breton Bay, 40845 Merchants Lane Leonardtown, near Arby’s. Six eating establishments are within walking distance. Call Vince at 301-3733454.
runs every Saturday from 4-8 p.m., April thru October. Cruize Nite takes places on Route 4 behind McDonalds, 2989 Plaza Drive in Dunkirk. All years of American makes of cars and trucks are welcome.
will begin hosting the 2019-Tri-County Cruise-In Night every Tuesday from 5-9 p.m. at Silver Diner, 3081 Festival Way, Waldorf. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Contact Paul at 301-7515705 or Tony at 301-399-6597 for more info.
is held every Friday from May 3 to Oct. 4. The event is held from 3 to 9 p.m. in North Beach and is open to all vehicles from 1989 and before. For more info, contact 301-855-6681.