Have you ever wondered why you hear about it while pumping gas? Petrol green how how lead-free“? But what does lead-free mean? Because gasoline once contained a dangerous additive based on this metal.
In fact, gasoline has been added since the 1930s Tetraethyl lead Or SUCH: a connection with a function Anti-knock agentThis prevents the gasoline from igniting prematurely and thus avoids damage to the engine protect certain components such as Valves.
The TEL, the use of which was introduced by the engineer Thomas Midgley and society General MotorsHowever, it was extreme toxic to workers and with negative effects on the development of the nervous system residents of the most polluted areas; It has also been the main obstacle to the use of catalytic converters to reduce automobile emissions.
For this reason, it has been in the United States since the 1970s leaded gasoline were slow replaced the typology we call today Green. The transition was also made possible by the advancement of technologies and materials used in car and motorcycle engines, as well as the addition of other compounds to replace TEL, such as: benzene.
In Italy leaded gasoline, also called leaded gasoline Red Or Great, Was marketed until 2001, the year of the final withdrawal from the market. Distinguishing between the two types is important for drivers “old” cars or motorcycles Not compatible with unleaded petrolHowever, it has become embedded in the language and will perhaps continue to confuse young drivers for several decades.