Should I use ethanol free gas?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: For seasonal equipment such as lawn mowers, generators, or marine engines that sit unused for months, ethanol‑free gasoline can reduce the risk of phase separation and fuel‑system gumming.
• Good fit: When a vehicle or piece of equipment is stored in a climate‑controlled environment and you can regularly add a fuel stabilizer, ethanol‑free fuel may extend storage life and preserve seals.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: If you rely on a public fueling station that only provides ethanol‑blended gasoline, seeking ethanol‑free alternatives may be impractical and costly.
• Warning sign: Modern engines designed for up to 10 % ethanol (E10) may not see any performance benefit from ethanol‑free fuel, and using it could forfeit manufacturer warranty coverage in rare cases.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Lower likelihood of water absorption and phase separation, which can damage small carbureted engines during long storage periods.
• Reduced risk of corrosion in fuel lines and carburetor jets, especially in equipment that is not run frequently.

Cons

• Ethanol‑free gasoline is often more expensive and may be harder to find, increasing operational costs.
• In high‑performance or newer engines, the lack of ethanol’s cleaning benefits may lead to carbon buildup over time.

Decision Checklist

• Will the engine be stored for more than 30 days without use?
• Is ethanol‑free fuel readily available at a reasonable price near you?
• Does the manufacturer’s service manual recommend or require ethanol‑free gasoline for this equipment?

Alternatives to Consider

If ethanol‑free fuel is not convenient, you can use regular E10 gasoline combined with a high‑quality fuel stabilizer, run the engine periodically to circulate fresh fuel, or consider fuel additives that mitigate ethanol‑related issues.

Final Recommendation

For infrequently used, small‑engine equipment stored for extended periods, ethanol‑free gasoline is a sensible protective measure when it is affordable and accessible. For daily‑driven vehicles or modern engines that already meet EPA standards, regular pump fuel with proper storage practices is usually sufficient. When the decision involves warranty or safety concerns, consult the equipment manufacturer or a qualified mechanic.