May brings quite significant changes to all gas stations in Ukraine. Instead of the usual gasoline, ethanol-blended gasoline appeared. From now on, almost all gasoline will have a minimum of 5% alcohol. Only those with an octane rating of 98 or higher will not be affected by the changes. Also, this will not affect fuel for the Armed Forces and authorities that create a reserve of oil and its products.
Ethanol fuel - what is it?
In short, it is gasoline with added ethanol. The alcohol content should be up to 30%. If there is more, it is already an alternative fuel or fuel mixture.
Sometimes, the inscription “bioethanol” is used to indicate the presence of ethanol in the fuel. It indicates the use of bio-raw materials, because bioethanol is an alcohol made from plant materials (sugar cane or corn).
And of course, car owners are interested in whether the new product can be mixed with regular gasoline. In general, it is. But only if the ethanol content is no more than 10% and it is done on a modern car. However, before doing so, you should check the car's manual. Also, you cannot do this with such fuel as E15 and higher, if the car is not designed for it.
How does alcohol-based gasoline affect the price of gasoline?
Despite the unique composition of ethanol-blended gasoline, its price will not differ greatly. After all, the share of alcohol in the fuel is very small.
But it is unlikely to become cheaper either. After all, Ukraine has no large alcohol production facilities that would make this possible. But it is not in danger of rising in price either. Ready-made fuel is imported from Europe, so there is no need to spend money on its production.
Advantages and disadvantages - what will change for the driver?
Ukraine is just beginning to get acquainted with such fuel as ethanol fuel. And to make sure that the iron horse can drive on it, you need to check whether the fuel filler flap is marked E5, E7, or E10. If it is, you can safely refuel the car. If not, you should regularly check the fuel filters, seals, and fuel lines.
In general, alcohol-based gasoline has many advantages, including:
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environmental friendliness and less emissions;
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can increase octane;
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reduces dependence on petroleum products and oil itself;
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fuel burns more slowly.
But at the same time, such a combination as gasoline and alcohol has its drawbacks:
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alcohol molecules can form water when they decompose;
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alcohol harms rubber elements;
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added alcohol acts as a solvent.
And finally, the main recommendation is to refuel only at trusted and reliable stations.
And you should protect your car not only by refueling with good fuel, but also by taking out insurance - visit KIRINS.