If you own a classic muscle car, you know how important it is to take care of it. These time-honored vehicles are designed to run like a dream, as long as you fill them up with quality gasoline, such as 90 octane, non-ethanol gas. Here’s why this is a superior choice for your old-school vehicle.

Ethanol

Many types of gas contain ethanol. It’s a clean additive that prevents air pollution and gas lines from freezing when temperatures fall. However, it can pose a significant threat to the engine inside your classic muscle car. Its power isn’t nearly as potent as gasoline, so it decreases your gas mileage; you’ll need more of it to travel the same distance.

However, even more concerning is ethanol’s impact on auto parts. The substance absorbs water easily and will even draw on moisture from the air. This causes the fuel tank and lines to develop condensation and can result in moisture accumulating at the base of the gasoline tank. Because only so much moisture is absorbed, ethanol can also settle with the water. This can lead to tank corrosion or damage to rubber parts and gaskets. Using fuel without ethanol protects these valuable parts.

Octane

Selecting the wrong grade of octane can also have a detrimental impact on your old muscle car’s engine. The vehicle likely boasts a high-performance configuration to produce the power that you expect of it. They’re designed to compress air and fuel to a lower ratio than modern cars, so they need a specific ratio.

For newer cars, it’s safer to use a lower octane product to avoid “preignition,” also known as knocking. This is when the fuel ignites too soon. This is especially harmful to its engine and causes everything from overheating to inefficiency. Since vintage cars likely don’t possess any anti-knock devices to warn you, the issue may continue for a while before you realize there is a problem. Using a premium, high-octane formula and a protective motor oil will help prevent damage to your muscle car’s engine. 

You can purchase Non-Ethanol 90 Octane gasoline at three of our convenient KardGard locations. 

• 114 South Water Street Extension Kittanning PA  
• 601 Broad Street New Bethlehem PA  
• 770 Hayden Blvd. Elizabeth PA

Call our office today at 724-548-7654  and we will let you how you can sign up for a FREE KardGard Refueling Club card.

Vintage car drivers throughout Armstrong County, PA, trust in the reliable gasoline and diesel fuel supplied by Bradigan’s. Serving the community since 1952, they offer a wide range of services, including gasoline filling stations and specially treated motor oils and lubricants. Visit the website to learn more about their products, or call (724) 548-7654 to speak with a member of their team.