As temperatures in Wisconsin drop this winter, it is important to know that using ethanol instead of gasoline to fill up means one does not have to add over-the-counter additives to keep the gas line from freezing. Here are some facts:
- Gas line antifreeze, just like ethanol, is an alcohol. [Source: Virginia Cooperative Extension, “Fuel Ethanol,” http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/bse/442-884/442-884.html, accessed 1/13/09]
- Alcohol absorbs water in the gas line before it has time to collect and freeze.
- One can save money by filling up with E85 (a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline) because there is no need to add an antifreeze to the gas line.
