September 15... The start of the decline...

[xridgelinex]

Well the official day of the year is almost here… September 15… This is when the EPA says States can start selling the winter blend....

I recently read an article how the summer blend reserves, (here in NY), is much lower then usual for this time of the year... Looks like the winter blend will be pushed onto us the day it is legally allowed...

[shovelhd]

I lose 2-3mpg when they switch over. It makes me wonder if there's any reduction in greenhouse gases if I'm burning more fuel.

[xridgelinex]

Originally Posted by shovelhd

I lose 2-3mpg when they switch over. It makes me wonder if there's any reduction in greenhouse gases if I'm burning more fuel.

The reason the summer blend is more efficient is because of the removal of ethanol... Ethanol burns "cleaner" producing fewer pollutants... However ethanol is much more volatile then the other gasoline components (volatile meaning it evaporates much easier)... With the greater amount of heat energy during the summer months, most of that ethanol will evaporate out of the gasoline and will be waiting to escape as soon as you go to fill up your tank. The problem now is that the ethanol released will react with the pollutants in the air along with the UV radiation to create lots of ozone... Ozone is great but not at lower elevations where most of us humans live.... More ozone means more smog and more difficulty in breathing, which is already compromised by the higher heat index...

The fact that we use more gasoline to travel with the winter blend is offset by the fact that people travel much more during the summer months...

People don't realize that the worst contributors of green house gases is the methane from the decay of feces from all the various types of farm raised animals...

[flymuck]

Originally Posted by xridgelinex

People don't realize that the worst contributors of green house gases is the methane from the decay of feces form all the various types of farm raised animals...

That, and all the cow farts.

[chisoxjim]

I dont find much of a difference between the winter blend, and the summer blend here in Illinois. Using the A/C in the hot weather, and switiching to the winter blend, and not having to use A/C in the cooler months pretty much offset each other. I get around 19 mpg. either way.

[xridgelinex]

Originally Posted by flymuck

That, and all the cow farts.

Yes.... If their was an Olympic event for the most methane given off in a fart, cows would always win the gold....

[Pizza Man]

Originally Posted by xridgelinex

Yes.... If their was an Olympic event for the most methane given off in a fart, cows would always win the gold....

Yeah well, you've never been around me when..... Oh never mind!