The District Chronicles

Issue date: 4/26/09 Section: FYI

Media Credit: ARA

(ARA) - For most drivers, filling up at the pump is an automatic routine. But considering that cars are typically one of our largest investments, it's important to remember the way we take care of them can mean the difference between trouble-free driving and costly repairs.

Dr. FuelGood is Sam Memmolo, an ASE certified auto technician and automotive expert for Shell, who has the following advice on the best care for your car:

A big part of engine maintenance is making sure you select the right type of gasoline for your vehicle. Not only is it essential to use the recommended octane (regular, midgrade or premium gasoline), but it's also important to make sure your fuel has enough cleaning agents to protect your engine. Let's get back to the basics to help you better understand what you're putting into your car.

Octane

You probably associate octane with the number you see at the pumps (the higher the number the more premium the fuel), but the technical explanation for octane is the measure of the fuel's ability to resist "engine knock." If you use a lower octane rating in an engine designed to use higher octane fuel, "engine knocking" might occur, causing the car to shudder and lose performance. Most modern electronic engine management systems can sense this knocking and make adjustments to prevent serious engine damage, but downgrading to a lower octane can mean reduced performance and lower fuel economy.

Since not every car is the same, different vehicles require different octane gasoline. The vehicle manufacturer's recommendation for the appropriate octane level is listed in your owner's manual. Some vehicles may even have the octane requirement noted on the fuel gauge or the fuel filler cap. If your vehicle's engine is designed to run on regular grade unleaded gasoline, that's all it should require. However, using octane above the recommended level will not harm the engine. If you are experiencing engine knocking in an older car that recommends low octane, using a higher octane grade may help correct the problem (however, it's also recommended to have your car serviced). If you have a performance or luxury vehicle that requires a higher octane level, I recommend you use the rating specified in order to achieve optimal engine performance.

Cleaning Agents

The enemy of engine performance and efficiency is engine "gunk," or harmful carbon deposits. The gunky build-up is the result of various chemical processes that occur during engine operation, creating a build-up of residue on intake valves and fuel injectors. This gunk acts like a sponge, absorbing and trapping gasoline which can result in decreased engine performance.

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