When winter rolls around, many of us turn our focus to preparing snowblowers, chainsaws, snowmobiles, and other seasonal equipment for the colder months. One factor that often goes overlooked is fuel. Non-ethanol gasoline can be an excellent choice for winter equipment, helping to improve performance and longevity. Here’s why you might consider making the switch to ethanol-free fuel for winter.
Why Choose Non-Ethanol Gasoline?
Ethanol, a type of alcohol, is commonly blended into regular gasoline to reduce emissions and increase octane levels. While beneficial in cars driven frequently, ethanol poses some challenges for small engines and seasonal equipment. Here’s why:
- Ethanol Attracts Moisture. Ethanol is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts and absorbs moisture. In colder months, moisture buildup is a particular concern, as it can cause issues with fuel lines, fuel injectors, and carburetors. Water in the fuel can lead to hard starts, rough idling, and even engine stalling.
- Fuel Separation and Stability. When equipment sits idle, ethanol-blended fuel can start to separate, leading to a layer of water and ethanol at the bottom of the tank and gasoline on top. This phase separation can cause performance issues and even damage the engine. Non-ethanol gas is more stable and less likely to separate, making it a better choice for equipment that sits for long periods between uses.
- Prevention of Corrosion and Deposits. Ethanol can corrode engine components over time, especially in older or small engines that don’t run as hot as car engines. Rust and deposits can clog fuel lines and carburetors, reducing fuel efficiency and reliability. Non-ethanol gasoline, being free of alcohol, reduces the risk of these issues, especially in low-temperature conditions.
Contact Holtzman Oil today to learn more about non-ethanol gasoline or visit our gas station location map to find non-ethanol gasoline at the closest Holtzman station near you.