How to Convert from Leaded to Unleaded

Converting from leaded gas to unleaded is important.

For many years gasoline was infused with lead. This was done to prevent knocking sounds caused when the mixture of compressed air and fuel used to run the car ignited prematurely in the engine cylinders. Unfortunately, lead is a pollutant that prevents cars from meeting newly established emissions standards. Consequently, unleaded gasoline was developed and promoted as an alternative. Knowing how your car will react to unleaded gasoline can save you time, hassle and worry.

Instructions

1. Consult with the owner's manual of the vehicle you are seeking to fuel with unleaded gasoline to determine the minimum level of octane that must be present in gasoline for your vehicle to run.

2. Travel to your local gas station and fill your car's gasoline tank with fuel that meets or exceeds the octane level recommended by the manufacturer of the vehicle. This number is usually indicated at each fuel pump.

3. Listen for sounds that resemble knocking or pinging coming from your car's engine while you are driving. If the sounds persist over an extended period of time, you may need to visit a mechanic and have your car's ignition spark adjusted to accommodate the introduction of unleaded fuel into the engine.

References

• PBS Newshour; Alternative Fuels; Case Study: Switch to Unleaded Gas; October 2007
• Federal Trade Commission; Facts for Consumers; The Low-Down on High Octane Gasoline; October 2003
• The Motorist's Guide to Clean Unleaded Gasoline; Michael Walsh