1898: "Gasoline--sometimes, but incorrectly, called naphtha--is one of the lighter products obtained during the distillation of crude petroleum. read more
> "The word gasoline was first used as a brand name for the relatively new petroleum distillate in the late 1800s (it wasn't really a motor fuel just yet). read more
1898: "Gasoline--sometimes, but incorrectly, called naphtha--is one of the lighter products obtained during the distillation of crude petroleum. read more
Older gasoline used to contain chemicals such as tetra-ethyl lead. This prevented preignition in the engine and allowed engines to be higher compression. They stopped using it because of heath and environmental issues. Different additives are used in todays car fuels instead. Leaded fuel can still be used in offroad equipment and airplanes. read more