Ned Hibberd's Blog

Sure, it's less expensive and more environmentally friendly.

But, for most of us... this fuel is no bargain.

It's E-85, a mixture of 85% Ethanol (an alcohol made from corn) and 15% gasoline.

It's made to run in Flex-Fuel vehicles, which, in turn, are manufactured to burn it.

 

The trouble is, E-85 is about 30-cents cheaper per gallon than regular unleaded.  And as gas prices skyrocket, people are tempted to "fill 'er up" with the E-85, which can deteriorate o-rings, gaskets and fuel lines, especially in older cars.

 

Next thing you know, you've got a fuel leak.  Say it happens in your garage at night.  Then your water heater (also housed in the garage) kicks on.  That spark could ignite an explosion and burn down your house.

 

Don't take my word for it.  Listen to expert Todd Hoffman, who explains it all in my story:

Expert: E-85 Fuel Bad for Incompatible Cars

With gas prices on the rise, experts are warning drivers about fuel that could be bad for your car. FOX 26's Ned Hibberd has this Only On FOX story.

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/myfox/pages/ContentDet
ail?contentId=6598029

Now, it's your turn.  Do you think most people are aware of the dangers of running E-85 through a non-Flex-Fuel vehicle?

 

Since regular unleaded contains some ethanol (about 10%) and that fact is usually noted on a sign at the pump, should the industry be more diligent in informing consumers that MORE ethanol content might not be good for their vehicles?

 

Or should consumers take it upon themselves to know what kind of fuel belongs in their tank?

 

Ned