I also wish someone would strike this from Costco's FAQ:
Quote:
Q: What is octane, and is that the only difference between regular and premium unleaded gasoline?
A: Octane is a particular hydrocarbon that is part of all gasoline. The precise amount is determined at the refinery. Octane is not an additive to the fuel. Octane levels are the only difference between regular and premium unleaded gasoline sold at Costco.
The amount of octane controls how the fuel burns in your engine. Too little octane can cause knocking or pinging, which over time can harm your engine. Knocking and pinging results when the fuel pre-ignites in the cylinder, ahead of the spark plug ignition. Higher octane controls this pre-ignition.
Costco advises that you use the octane rating specified in your owner's manual. In fact, using regular unleaded gasoline in a car that specifies premium unleaded could void your vehicle warranty.
If you are using the specified fuel, and you are experiencing engine knock, please consult your auto care professional for a diagnosis of the problem.
This is just wrong on so many levels. "Octane level"? Did they at least go over this copy with one of their suppliers? It sure doesn't sound like it.
Someone should tell them that "octane rating" is simply based on a reference point where pure octane has a rating of 100, and the antiknock properties of the product fuel is compared to this reference point. I'm pretty sure it's possible to make gasoline with zero octane in it.
Quote:
Q: What is octane, and is that the only difference between regular and premium unleaded gasoline?
A: Octane is a particular hydrocarbon that is part of all gasoline. The precise amount is determined at the refinery. Octane is not an additive to the fuel. Octane levels are the only difference between regular and premium unleaded gasoline sold at Costco.
The amount of octane controls how the fuel burns in your engine. Too little octane can cause knocking or pinging, which over time can harm your engine. Knocking and pinging results when the fuel pre-ignites in the cylinder, ahead of the spark plug ignition. Higher octane controls this pre-ignition.
Costco advises that you use the octane rating specified in your owner's manual. In fact, using regular unleaded gasoline in a car that specifies premium unleaded could void your vehicle warranty.
If you are using the specified fuel, and you are experiencing engine knock, please consult your auto care professional for a diagnosis of the problem.
This is just wrong on so many levels. "Octane level"? Did they at least go over this copy with one of their suppliers? It sure doesn't sound like it.
Someone should tell them that "octane rating" is simply based on a reference point where pure octane has a rating of 100, and the antiknock properties of the product fuel is compared to this reference point. I'm pretty sure it's possible to make gasoline with zero octane in it.