Rhode Island mechanic reveals 7 fuel myths you might have fallen victim to believing

While combustion engines aren’t going away any time soon, one Rhode Island mechanic has taken to YouTube to debunk seven fuel myths that you may have fallen victim to believing.

EVs might be on the rise, but only a small margin of cars are still plugging in every night.

Especially in the US, where most people have yet to leave behind their trusted engines for pastures new and electric.

But even though we’ve been fueling cars for generations, some old wives’ tales have changed our habits. Thankfully, they’re all hogwash, according to popular mechanic Scotty Kilmer.

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Popular mechanic debunks myths about different fuel numbers

It might seem like a mundane chore, but filling your car with gas isn’t quite as straightforward as it always seems.

Many pumps show signs of failure, which degrades your fuel.

And some are bizarrely just designed to trick you.

Taking to YouTube, Rhode Island mechanic Scotty Kilmer revealed seven misconceptions about fueling, including the difference between the numbered Octanes.

Different octane levels don’t mean different energy content

One of the biggest questions people have about fuel myths is, ‘Why do gas pumps have different numbers?’

What’s the difference between 89 Octane and 93 Octane, and do they make your car run better?

Well, Kilmer claims that they all do the same job for most cars, and the premium juice isn’t worth the increased price.

“The different octane levels all contain the same energy content,” he explained.

So, despite seeing different rates for different numbers, you’re still burning the same fuel rates no matter which you choose (the cheapest, save that cash).

All car fuels burn at the same speed

The second misconception is that the fuels will last longer if they burn at higher temperatures, meaning higher octane fuels will last longer.

However, Kilmer also revealed that this is false, and they all burn at the same speed.

Are different octane numbers cleaner for your car?

So if all the different fuel types burn at the same rate, what is the benefit of the premium levels? Are they healthier and cleaner for your car?

Again, the mechanic claims that this isn’t a case of sipping Coke Zero. They’re all the same, and drinking 95 Octane won’t give your car a smaller waist than the 93.

“Clean or complete fuel burn depends not on the octane but mainly on the air-to-fuel ratio in your car’s combustion chamber,” he said.

The only benefits come in terms of high-end performance and towing, as most cars automatically adjust to the fuel that they are consuming.

Only when you’re carrying heavy weights or burning tarmac as well as fuel is the premium choice worth looking into.

Premium fuel isn’t for you

Like many others, you can be forgiven for looking at the ‘premium’ offerings at gas pumps and thinking ‘ooh I can afford to give my car a treat this week’.

But, the reality is that premium fuel really doesn’t do much for you and you shouldn’t be looking to use it, as Kilmer claims that its just a way to waste your hard-earned money.

You should only ever use it when your car says it is ‘needed’, not ‘recommended’, as the costs outweigh the enhancements.

Instead, you’ll only really ever need this if you’re planning to get on the track and give your car a real run for its money.

Does premium fuel affect car performance?

Some fuel myths are true. Such as how cruise control affects your gas consumption.

But the YouTuber rattled off a few more myths that aren’t true, including the thought that ‘Premium’ fuel gives your car a better performance level.

“Under normal driving conditions, you’ll probably get little to no benefit in fuel economy or engine performance. Why pay more for premium gas?”

More expensive fuel isn’t better than the cheaper alternatives

The same goes for ‘top-tier’ fuel.

It’s quite common for people to favour big gas brands over supermarkets, which can undercut suppliers through the customer tax. But the misconception that supermarket fuel is ‘worse’ is simply that: a false facade.

The mechanic revealed that the more expensive pumps do offer the premium fuels at good rates, and are often populated by huge HUVs and trucks. Meanwhile, the jacked-up standard fuel prices don’t result in any additional performance levels or cleanliness than those at a supermarket.

What about ethanol-blended fuels?

Finally, the YouTuber debunked the final of the fuel myths, which claim that ‘ethanol-blended’ fuels are bad for engines, as the mechanic of 53 years revealed that this is yet another ploy.

“These fuels work just fine in most modern cars built after 2002, and that’s why we see a bit of ethanol in virtually all gasoline nowadays,” he added.

All in all, your fuelling habits are likely pretty spot on, and any additional ‘boosts’ or habits to the mainstream methods likely won’t have any benefits, at least, according to this veteran mechanic.

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