When does the winter blend end?

[allenh318]

How can we know when the winter blend of gasoline ends? Is it by date or weather forecast?

[jedi_sol]

I'm pretty sure its by season. from my gas logs, i've noticed a definite drop in mileage right around October-ish (winter blend), then mileage jumps right back up in March-ish (summer blend).

This tank that I am on right now is forecasted to hit 48mpg with no change in my driving habits. Previous tank before this was 44ish mpg.

[allenh318]

Great, maybe we all will get a boost in mpg now, like xmas in March!

[Frank Lee]

A tank of E70 for fire-sale price in 70 degree weather is definitely like xmas early!

[gone-ot]

...here's what EPA says:

• EPA regulates the volatility/Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) of conventional gasoline sold at retail stations during the summer smog season (June 1-September 15) to reduce evaporative emissions that contribute to smog.

• Winter Oxygenated Fuel programs increase fuel oxygen and are mandated in certain areas for carbon monoxide control. The winter oxygenated fuel season is generally October through February or March.

Source: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/fuels/gasolinefuels/index.htm

[allenh318]

Yyyaaaahhhh!!!