QuikTrip stores in selected metropolitan areas now sell gasoline blended with up to 10 percent ethanol.

What is ethanol?

Ethanol is an alcohol produced from corn. Ethanol is blended with gasoline in a mixture containing up to 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline.

Why is there ethanol in our gasoline?

In 1998, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), issued a ruling that retail stations in designated metropolitan area must sell reformulated gasoline. This ruling was in response to increasing levels of smog in these metropolitan areas.There are only two compounds available that typically are blended with gasoline to achieve the reformulated level required by the EPA. One is MTBE, which has been the compound most area gasoline retailers have chosen since the ruling. Recently, however, there has been growing concern about the environmental effect of MTBE. Ethanol, therefore, has become the compound of choice in the metro area. Gasoline retailers in these designated areas have now opted to blend ethanol in their gasoline.

What will ethanol do for my vehicle?

All cars built since the 1970s are fully compatible with gasoline blended with up to 10% ethanol. Engine performance is similar as if using regular gasoline. Ethanol burns cooler and cleaner than gasoline, which can extend the life of engine valves and spark plugs. Ethanol will also help reduce engine deposits, although all gasoline sold by QuikTrip has high levels of detergent additives that also provide this benefit and has been recognized as “Top Tier” by GM, BMW, Honda and Toyota.

Can I use ethanol in my lawnmower or other small engines?

Major manufacturers of lawnmowers, power tools, motorboats, etc., authorize the use of ethanol blends in their products.

What other benefits does ethanol provide?

Ethanol burns cleaner and thus can lower carbon monoxide levels produced by vehicles by as much as 25% compared to conventional gasoline. And, since ethanol is made from corn produced in the United States, it reduces our dependence on foreign crude oil.