Cars
Fact-checked

At WikiMotors, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Leaded Gasoline?

Y. Chen
Y. Chen

Buying leaded gasoline nowadays is a rare occurrence since its progressive ban from the United States and other countries. This type of gasoline was originally liquid gasoline, or petrol as it is known in other parts of the world, containing an additive of the chemical element in the form of tetraethyl lead. It was widely adapted for usage in the 1920s, which helped along the development of higher compression engines and boosted octane ratings.

Gasoline generally is consumed as an energy fuel in internal combustion engines, making its environment highly compressed. To increase octane levels, hydrocarbon mixed with benzene or iso-octane is added in. These are the hydrocarbon-containing fuels that would eventually be expelled as greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Additives were necessary, however, to reduce carbon buildup in internal engines, improve the combustion rate, and facilitate an easier engine ignition in cold weather.

Methanol is sometimes used as an additive in gasoline.
Methanol is sometimes used as an additive in gasoline.

It used to be that before the addition of lead, gasoline tended to pre-ignite or detonate, causing a metallic 'pinging' sound, a situation called engine-knocking, that damaged the engine. Gasoline containing tetraethyl lead changed that. Not only did it withstand higher compression environments, they also lubricated the inside and valves of the engine, protecting the valve seats from erosion.

The need for leaded gasoline is now rare for modern-day vehicles.
The need for leaded gasoline is now rare for modern-day vehicles.

Qualms about leaded gasoline began with the environmentalists and health professionals. Apparently, the gasoline was incompatible with catalytic converters installed in many on-road vehicles being driven. Catalytic converters are devices used to reduce the toxicity levels of automobile emissions. They are, however, ineffective in the presence of lead due to a chemical alteration that results from their interaction. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stepped in quickly to regulate amounts of auto exhaust, leading to the general disapproval of using gasoline of this type.

Leaded gasoline used to be available at every gas station.
Leaded gasoline used to be available at every gas station.

Moreover, health professionals determined that consumption of lead products, including leaded gasoline, correlated with the amount of lead found in the human bloodstream. This can cause lead poisoning, a condition that primarily causes neurological damage, gastrointestinal discomfort, and cognitive impairment in children.

The movement in gasoline components has now replaced lead compounds with other appropriate substitutes. Additives now include aromatic hydrocarbons, ethers, and the alcohols ethanol and methanol. In lieu of lead's lubricating properties, auto shops now sell lead substitute products to achieve the same effect.

The use of leaded gasoline in farming equipment has been prohibited since 2008.
The use of leaded gasoline in farming equipment has been prohibited since 2008.

Since the Clean Air Act was implemented on 1 January 1996, the sale of leaded fuel has been banned for on-the-road vehicles in the United States, with possession or usage subject to high fines. Other countries have been following this example. Leaded gasoline for other uses including racing cars, marine engines, and farming equipment, will be prohibited starting in the year 2008.

Discussion Comments

anon274848

In Africa, leaded gas is widely used.

Kat919

@EdRick - It sounds like the phaseout of the gasoline lead additive in the United States happened gradually starting in the 70s and actually was mostly wrapped up by the mid-80s, although the outright ban came later. By 1991, levels of lead in the US population had dropped dramatically from what the levels were in the 1970s, so the ban was already taking effect.

It's important to realize that the lead industry fought tooth and nail and even accused the main scientist behind the research of professional misconduct! You mention the "push"--we do need private and government researchers and nonprofit organizations funding research and driving change, because it would be foolish to expect any business to give up the way it makes money.

But I share your optimism. At the turn of the 20th century, the big "pollution" problem in New York was from horse manure, and it seemed insurmountable--the stuff was *everywhere.* Then along came the automobile, and the problem was solved. You never know what will happen!

EdRick

I had no idea that lead was still in gasoline as recently as the mid-90s! I thought it had gone away with the 70s and 80s. It's hard to believe that as toxic as automobile emissions are now, they used to be even worse. I support automobile emissions testing; it makes me crazy when you see someone with a poorly maintained car belching clouds of noxious gas because something is wrong with the exhaust system.

The removal of lead from gasoline does give me hope that the problem of air pollution from cars will indeed be solved. For decades, car makers and oil companies thought they *needed* lead in gasoline, but when pushed, they found another, cleaner way.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Methanol is sometimes used as an additive in gasoline.
      By: Nico Armbrust
      Methanol is sometimes used as an additive in gasoline.
    • The need for leaded gasoline is now rare for modern-day vehicles.
      By: witthaya
      The need for leaded gasoline is now rare for modern-day vehicles.
    • Leaded gasoline used to be available at every gas station.
      By: Gabriele Maltinti
      Leaded gasoline used to be available at every gas station.
    • The use of leaded gasoline in farming equipment has been prohibited since 2008.
      By: aigarsr
      The use of leaded gasoline in farming equipment has been prohibited since 2008.
    • Leaded gasoline is referred to as petrol in many countries.
      By: fotohansel
      Leaded gasoline is referred to as petrol in many countries.
    • Lead poisoning may cause cognitive impairment in children.
      By: elisabetta figus
      Lead poisoning may cause cognitive impairment in children.