Ever stared at your sputtering lawn mower, its tank filled with gas that seems to be turning into concrete, and thought, “Maybe I can just use this in my car?” It’s a tempting thought, especially when you’re stuck at the gas station with a near-empty tank and a hefty price tag staring back at you. But before you pour that green, gasoline-like liquid into your car’s tank, hold on! There’s a lot more to this than meets the eye.
In short, no, you should not put lawn mower gas in your car. While it might look and smell like regular gasoline, it’s not the same, and using it in your car can cause serious damage. This article delves into the reasons why lawn mower gas is different from car gasoline and explains the potential consequences of using it in your vehicle. We’ll also explore the various types of gasoline available, their intended uses, and why using the wrong type can lead to costly repairs.
The Truth About Lawn Mower Gas
While it may seem like a simple solution to save a few bucks, lawn mower gas is not a suitable substitute for car gasoline. Here’s why:
Different Formulations
Lawn mower gas, often referred to as “gasoline blend” or “small engine fuel,” is specifically designed for small engines like lawn mowers, snowblowers, and chainsaws. These engines are typically less sophisticated than car engines and have different operating requirements.
What makes lawn mower gas different?
- Lower Octane Rating: Car engines need high-octane gasoline to prevent knocking (a premature detonation that can damage the engine). Lawn mower gas, on the other hand, often has a lower octane rating. Using low-octane fuel in a car engine can lead to knocking and engine damage.
- Additives: Lawn mower gas contains additives that aren’t meant for car engines. These additives are designed to help prevent fuel lines from clogging in small engines that are often used for short bursts and then stored for long periods. However, these additives can actually harm the delicate fuel injectors and other components in a car engine.
- Ethanol Content: Many types of lawn mower gas have a higher ethanol content than car gasoline. Ethanol can attract moisture, which can lead to corrosion and other problems in car engines.
The Risks of Using Lawn Mower Gas in Your Car
Using lawn mower gas in your car can have severe consequences, ranging from minor performance issues to major engine damage.
1. Engine Knock and Damage
As mentioned earlier, the lower octane rating of lawn mower gas can cause engine knock, which can result in:
- Reduced Engine Performance: The engine may run rough, lose power, and experience misfires.
- Premature Engine Wear: Knocking can wear down engine components like pistons and valves, leading to costly repairs or even engine replacement.
2. Fuel System Problems
The additives in lawn mower gas can gum up the fuel injectors and fuel lines in a car engine, leading to:
- Clogged Fuel Injectors: This can result in a decrease in fuel efficiency, loss of power, and difficulty starting the engine.
- Blocked Fuel Lines: This can cause the engine to stall or run poorly.
3. Corrosion and Other Problems
The higher ethanol content in some lawn mower gas can contribute to:
- Corrosion: Ethanol attracts moisture, which can cause corrosion in the fuel tank, fuel lines, and other engine components.
- Fuel Degradation: Ethanol can also break down over time, leading to fuel system problems.
Choosing the Right Fuel for Your Car
To avoid damaging your car’s engine, it’s crucial to use the type of gasoline that’s designed for your vehicle. Most modern cars are designed to run on regular gasoline (87 octane), premium gasoline (91 or 93 octane), or a blend of both. Check your car’s owner’s manual for the recommended type of gasoline.
Understanding Gasoline Types
There are different types of gasoline available, each with specific properties and intended uses:
- Regular Gasoline: This is the most common type of gasoline and is suitable for most vehicles.
- Premium Gasoline: This gasoline has a higher octane rating and is typically recommended for high-performance cars and engines that require a higher level of detonation resistance.
- E85: This is a fuel blend that contains 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. It’s typically used in flex-fuel vehicles that are designed to run on both gasoline and E85.
Conclusion: Stick to the Right Fuel for Your Car
While it may seem like a tempting shortcut, using lawn mower gas in your car is a recipe for disaster. The differences in formulation and additives can lead to engine damage, fuel system problems, and costly repairs. Always choose the right type of gasoline for your car, as specified in your owner’s manual.
Remember, your car is a complex machine that requires the right fuel to function properly. By using the recommended type of gasoline, you can ensure its longevity and performance, saving yourself time, money, and potential headaches down the road.
FAQs
1. Why can’t I put lawn mower gas in my car?
The main reason you can’t put lawn mower gas in your car is that it has a much lower octane rating. Octane rating measures a fuel’s resistance to knocking or pinging, which can damage your engine. Car engines are designed to handle high-octane gasoline, while lawn mower engines are made to run on lower-octane fuel. Using lower-octane gas in your car can cause serious damage to your engine, including knocking, premature wear, and even a complete engine failure.
2. What’s the difference between lawn mower gas and car gas?
The key difference between lawn mower gas and car gas is the octane rating. Lawn mower gas typically has an octane rating of 87 or 89, while car gas has a higher octane rating of 87, 89, or 91 or even higher. The higher octane rating in car gas is necessary to prevent knocking and ensure smooth engine operation.
3. Will using lawn mower gas damage my car?
Yes, using lawn mower gas in your car can damage your engine. It can cause knocking, which is a loud rattling noise that occurs when the fuel-air mixture explodes prematurely in the combustion chamber. This can lead to engine damage, reduced performance, and even a complete engine failure.
4. How much lawn mower gas can I put in my car?
You should never put any amount of lawn mower gas in your car. Even a small amount can cause damage, as the lower octane rating can lead to knocking and premature engine wear.
5. What happens if I accidentally put lawn mower gas in my car?
If you accidentally put lawn mower gas in your car, the best course of action is to stop driving immediately and drain the fuel tank as soon as possible. You can do this at a gas station or by siphoning the gas out yourself. You should then fill the tank with the correct gasoline for your car and consult with a mechanic to ensure there is no damage.
6. Can I use car gas in my lawn mower?
Using car gas in your lawn mower is generally not recommended, as it can cause problems with the carburetor and fuel system. Car gas is designed to be more volatile than lawn mower gas, which can cause the carburetor to flood and the engine to run poorly.
7. What type of gas should I use in my lawn mower?
The best type of gas for your lawn mower is specifically designed for small engines. This type of gas is typically labeled as “small engine fuel” or “lawn mower gas.” It has a lower octane rating than car gas and is formulated for use in small engines, ensuring optimal performance and fuel efficiency.