SOCIETY'S RESEARCH SHEDS NEW LIGHT ON FUEL PROBLEM

The author describes a series of road service-tests, made on stock cars driven by their usual drivers when using fuel of specified grades, to determine the effect of any changes in the fuel volatility on the gasoline mileage for the respective make of car, as part of a general research program undertaken jointly by the automotive and the petroleum industries. The object was to determine the best fuel as regards volatility, from the general economic standpoint, and what grade of fuel would afford the maximum car-mileage per barrel of crude oil consumed.

Factors influencing the selection of cars used are enumerated and the fuels tested are discussed, together with general comment and a description of the test procedure. The results are tabulated and commented upon at some length, inclusive of descriptions of the methods. A summary of the results is presented in the form of conclusions that are stated in four specific divisions. The value of statistical research is illustrated by the results obtained.