With sunshine and blue sky making its way to the Pacific Northwest, classic car season is right around the corner. Whether you’re taking your vintage ride out of storage, or recently added to your collection, it’s important to take some time and refresh on some classic car Do’s and Don’ts.
Before you take your car out for a sunny drive, make sure to check the oil, tires, fuel, and brakes. Basic maintenance procedures keep your collection running for years to come and prevent a disaster while on the road. Nothing ruins a nice drive like a flat tire! Outside of this basic maintenance, the most important decisions you can make for your car is at the pump.
Classic cars are not designed for regular fuel. Older engines were never designed for modern unleaded fuel. This is due to the ethanol in gas now. While it burns clean and has a high-octane rating, it also can slowly ruin your car’s antique engine. Ethanol can absorb water from condensation and even humid weather. This can lead to building up gunk in the engine. Along with being hygroscopic, it’s also corrosive. If your engine has cork or rubber seals, the ethanol can eat right through it over time. Luckily, there are solutions that can accommodate your classic ride’s needs.
The most extreme of your options is to replace the older engine with a modern engine. While this solves the problem of using modern fuel for good, it can be very expensive, time consuming, and is not possible for all vintage vehicles. A cost efficient and more compatible option is to fuel your classic cars with non-ethanol fuel, specifically premium 92. This high-octane fuel won’t corrode your engine or create build up that can damage your car. One of the downsides to non-ethanol fuel is that it can be tough to find. Luckily, Jubitz has all classic car lovers covered!
Jubitz conveniently offers non-ethanol premium at the following locations:
1503 NE 136 St Vancouver, WA (Inquire in the office)
3200 SE Columbia Way Vancouver, WA
If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 877-7JUBITZ or email us at fuel@jubitz.com. We’re looking forward to seeing you on the road!
Staying Prepared with Backup GeneratorsDisaster can strike at any time, and if it does, a backup generator can be a literal life saver. Especially here in the Pacific Northwest, wildfires, ice storms and earthquakes can flip your life upside-down in a second. Having a backup generator can provide emergency power for days when needed using fuel reserves that don’t rely on a power grid. Whether you already have a generator or are looking to prepare for the future, here is a helpful guide on the right generator fuel for you!
Gasoline powered generators are very common and some of the most affordable on the market. Usually found in the camping sections of stores, they are small enough to provide plenty of power for appliances, but not a whole house. They take regular unleaded gasoline which makes them convenient to purchase fuel for. But keep in mind that gas has a short shelf life, only lasting between 3-6 months in a dry, cool and dark spot. Local guidelines will determine how much gas you can store and most places in the United States limit you to no more than 25 gallons of gas.
Diesel generators are a great option to power your whole house or business when the power fails. They come in a variety of sizes, from small personal generators to the large backup generators for high-rise buildings, and range in prices. Their fuel is inexpensive and easy to buy at a gas station or from a fuel delivery service like Jubitz. The shelf-life is also longer than gas. Diesel can last about 6 months to a year when stored properly. For those looking to invest in larger generators, you can conveniently order diesel from Jubitz and have it delivered to your door. Whenever you need to change it out, give us a call and we will come and refuel those tanks for you!
Propane powered generators provide lots of power but are a bit more inconvenient to refuel. Propane generators require a large storage tank on site or require you to stock up on small tanks that you find at gas stations. Luckily, propane tanks are wildly available at any gas station, including the Jubitz Gas Station. The upside of propane is that it has a shelf life of 10-30 years! This allows you to be the most prepared for whatever is thrown your way.
No matter what type of generator you choose, always remember the following tips. First, regularly check your fuel. You don’t want bacteria growing in your tanks and ruining your generators. This can be prevented by keeping your fuel stored in a dark, cool, and dry place. Second, run your generators regularly to make sure everything is working properly. We recommend running your equipment until it’s three-quarters empty and then replacing that fuel. This allows you to change out old fuel and make sure everything is running as it should. Finally, always have a back-up plan! Take some time and create an emergency plan for you and your family. While generators can provide power, they are only temporary. Having a plan in preparation for the worst helps keep your family or business safe. But until then, Jubitz fuel delivery can help keep you prepared for anything!