Winter gas

[lcbjr77]

Just curious if anyone knows when they switch to "winter gas" at the pumps.

I swear my MPGs have drop 1point in the last couple weeks with normal driving/ commute.

 

[Lester Lugnut]

I would like to know who gets winter gas?

Does a driver in Miami FL. REALLY need winter gas?

 

[Marbles]

Did some quick googling, noticed in september my mileage dropped about a point as well.

The summer blend gasoline season comes to a close today for much of the United States. Tomorrow, September 16th will mark the first day winter blend gasoline can be sold at wholesale truck racks. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) governs the rules for the summer and winter gasoline specification change. The most important specification the EPA governs is the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) of gasoline. The RVP measures the fuel’s volatility. For a general rule of thumb, the lower the RVP the more expensive the gasoline blend is for refiner’s to make.
Read more at https://blog.gasbuddy.com/posts/End...ies/1715-624912-3288.aspx#yyj4sswzYhcuRu71.99

More information at EPA

Volatility is the property of a liquid fuel that defines its evaporation characteristics. RVP is an abbreviation for "Reid vapor pressure," a common measure of and generic term for gasoline volatility. EPA regulates the vapor pressure of gasoline sold at retail stations during the summer ozone season (June 1 to September 15) to reduce evaporative emissions from gasoline that contribute to ground-level ozone and diminish the effects of ozone-related health problems.
EPA established a two-phase reduction in summertime commercial gasoline volatility. These rules reduce gasoline emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) that are a major contributor to ground-level ozone (smog). Phase I was applicable to calendar years 1989 through 1991. Depending on the state and month, gasoline RVP was not to exceed 10.5 pounds per square inch (psi), 9.5 psi, or 9.0 psi. Phase II is applicable to 1992 and later calendar years. Read more at: Gasoline Reid Vapor Pressure | Gasoline Standards | US EPA

 

[gingervitis]

It also depends on the part of the country that you live in. For example Florida can get the same blend year-round whereas the Atlanta area has to have two different blends of gas (summer and winter).

 

[lcbjr77]

I'm in New England, I figure they would switch the gas at some point. Didn't know it was as early as September

 

[1engineer]

I would like to know who gets winter gas?

Does a driver in Miami FL. REALLY need winter gas?

I wrote this about four years ago. Hope it helps! Also everyone in the country gets winter gas just at a slightly different time. Those in the colder states will see a larger hit in their mpg than those in the warmer states and it is the vehicle and idle conditions as much as it is fuel. We sorta need winter gas and summer gas.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/102219-winter-gas-explained.html

 

[lcbjr77]

Thanks for explaining, great write up

I wrote this about four years ago. Hope it helps! Also everyone in the country gets winter gas just at a slightly different time. Those in the colder states will see a larger hit in their mpg than those in the warmer states and it is the vehicle and idle conditions as much as it is fuel. We sorta need winter gas and summer gas.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/102219-winter-gas-explained.html

 

[Vols77]

thanks for explaining, great write up

x2..........

 

[TechWrench]

Also remember that as the ambient temps drop, so will your MPG numbers.