Winter Formula Gas??
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,761
Likes: 1
From: Irvine CA
Winter Formula Gas??
Today as I was driving to work, the radio DJ said that today and tomorrow are the last chance to buy gas at the cheaper "winter formula." After that, he said, that prices will go up to its normal price. In my mind it does not make sense, especially here in California which has crappy gas all year-round.
What's this winter formula gas, and (being in California) will it compromise my C5 performance? We already are at 91 octane as it is.
Thanks
What's this winter formula gas, and (being in California) will it compromise my C5 performance? We already are at 91 octane as it is.
Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 17,786
Likes: 4
From: Redsox, Pats, Celts & Bruins !!! Redsox Nation !!!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
The winter gas is only in a few states. I know massachusetts has it. From what I remember reading, it causes not engine problems.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
The winter formulas allow engines to run efficiently (emissions) in cold weather. They add MTBE (which is now outlawed in most states) or alcohol to promote clean combustion) The cost of adding the cold weather additive is normally more and here in the north east the price goes DOWN when the weather get warmer and it not required!
I think he has his facts wrong.
My Z06 get a lot less MPG in the winter than the summer. It's normal.
BC
I think he has his facts wrong.
My Z06 get a lot less MPG in the winter than the summer. It's normal.
BC
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 58,551
Likes: 95
From: The warm part of Anger Island
St. Jude Donor '09
Hmm... I'm all conflustered now. I thought in the summer the gas companies put some kind of additive in the gas to "oxygenate" it more. Not sure if oxygenating is the right term but I could have sworn it was something like this to reduce emmissions.
Anybody have any stats or wot-not?
Anybody have any stats or wot-not?
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 333
Likes: 1
From: Mendota Heights MN
I believe refiners also adjust the "Reid Vapor Pressure" and other characteristics of the fuel depending on ambient temperature to change boiling points and atomization for better performance in cold (or hot) weather. If you have "winter" fuel in your tank, for instance, in warm weather, your car would be more susceptible to vapor lock.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,088
Likes: 61
From: NY- 2013 Corvette Challenge Champion-2013 Index Combo Champion 2015 CC/MM Champion
St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by c5chris
Today as I was driving to work, the radio DJ said that today and tomorrow are the last chance to buy gas at the cheaper "winter formula." After that, he said, that prices will go up to its normal price. In my mind it does not make sense, especially here in California which has crappy gas all year-round.
What's this winter formula gas, and (being in California) will it compromise my C5 performance? We already are at 91 octane as it is.
Thanks
What's this winter formula gas, and (being in California) will it compromise my C5 performance? We already are at 91 octane as it is.
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 58,551
Likes: 95
From: The warm part of Anger Island
St. Jude Donor '09
Originally Posted by DRIVER456
Winter formula in Ca.? In NY alot of the pumps say 10% ethenol on them.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 1
From: Foresters Falls(near Ottawa) Ont
Originally Posted by Cart99
I believe refiners also adjust the "Reid Vapor Pressure" and other characteristics of the fuel depending on ambient temperature to change boiling points and atomization for better performance in cold (or hot) weather. If you have "winter" fuel in your tank, for instance, in warm weather, your car would be more susceptible to vapor lock.
"Winter" gas vapourizes easier than "summer" gas. Might have been more important when engines were choked to start cold, I'm guessing it still makes a difference, even with injection.
RonJ ...
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