Fuel Quality: An Essential Element in Vehicle Emission Control

Enormous progress has been made in the past 40 years in reducing vehicle emissions in the United States and around the world. Emission control technology has progressed from rudimentary engine controls to sophisticated computer-controlled catalyst systems. Another major factor in reducing emissions, whose contribution is not as well known as that of the hardware, is the fuel. This paper will review three significant fuel changes; unleaded gasoline, deposit control additives, and reformulated gasoline. In will provide the background for these changes and the technical data to substantiate the changes. It will also delve into the people and the strategies involved for implementing the changes, and some of the major aftereffects of the changes.