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Feb 6, 2013

What kinds of additives are in gasoline and why?

Additive
Function
Antiknock compounds
Increase octane number
Scavengers
Remove combustion products of antiknock compounds
Combustion chamber
Suppress surface ignition and spark plug deposit modifiers fouling
Antioxidants
Provide storage stability
Metal deactivators
Supplement storage stability
Antirust agents
Prevent rusting in gasoline-handling systems
Anti-icing agents
Suppress carburetor and fuel system freezing
Detergents
Control carburetor and induction system cleanliness
Upper cylinder lubricants
Lubricate upper cylinder areas and control intake system deposits
Dyes
Indicate presence of antiknock compounds and identify makes and grades of gasoline
(The Handy Science Answer Book, compiled by the Science and Technology department of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh)