The Changes in Gasoline Manual (CGM) serves as the authoritative reference for the automobile service industry, consumers, and state, local governments when it comes to understanding the relationship between the fuel and the engine.

Funded by the RFF, the CGM is being updated to reflect changing laws, regulations and the growing number of Flexible Fuel Vehicles being produced that operate on renewable fuels.  RFF strongly believes this manual fills an informational void that would otherwise not be available.

The manual aids in preventing uninformed technicians from incorrectly attributing a problem to the fuel and educates them in making a more comprehensive diagnosis to consumer inquiries.  The CGM is also used by service writers and managers, as well as in training programs in automotive training centers operated by General Motors and over 250 trade and technical schools.

It also serves as a tool for the non-technician such as personnel in the petroleum industry, policy makers and others who may have an interest in fuel issues. For example, when new fuel programs were introduced in Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, Washoe and Clark Counties in Nevada, and the cities of Salt Lake, Provo and Ogden in Utah, the CGM was an instrumental guide for legislators and regulators to implement sound changes.

Finally, the CGM has been used by numerous oil companies and others due to its straightforward, easily understandable explanations about the relationship of fuel properties to vehicle performance.  Overall, this manual aids in developing a large population that better understands fuel and alternative fuel use.

Since the last edition was updated in 1996, there have been numerous changes to fuel specifications and properties, as well as the introduction of new fuel types—for instance, E85 (85% ethanol; 15% gasoline). It is imperative that auto service technicians and others on the front lines are aware of these fuel developments.

In the mid-1990's, there were 650,000 auto service technicians and it was estimated that 300,000 additional technicians would be needed by year 2000 because of increased specialization. Today, the auto service industry, which includes students, instructors and others, exceeds 900,000 nationally.

The most current manual revised in 1996 may be reviewed on-line at:

http://www.ethanolrfa.org/objects/pdf/AboutRFA/Gasoline.pdf

All phases of the manual are written and overseen by Mr. Robert Reynolds, President of Downstream Alternatives, Inc.  Mr. Reynolds is widely recognized for his expertise on fuel properties and their relationship to vehicle performance. He also carries over 25 years experience in the transportation fuels industry. He is a member of Society of Automotive Engineers International; serves on the American Society for Testing and Materials International Committees on Gasoline and Gasoline Oxygenate Blends, Drivability Task Force, and E85 Task Force. Mr. Reynolds also serves on the following Coordinating Research Council working groups and committees: Octane, Fuel Volatility, and E65 Permeation.

For more Auto Technician resources, please visit:

http://www.ethanolrfa.org/resource/technicians/