ASTM International

Standard Specification for Automotive Spark-Ignition Engine Fuel
 N D4814 REV E

Annotation

This specification covers the establishment of requirements of liquid automotive fuels for ground vehicles equipped with spark-ignition engines.

This specification describes various characteristics of automotive fuels for use over a wide range of operating conditions. It provides for a variation of the volatility and water tolerance of automotive fuel in accordance with seasonal climatic changes at the locality where the fuel is used. For the period May 1 through Sept. 15, the maximum vapor pressure limits issued by the United States (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are specified for each geographical area except Alaska and Hawaii. Variation of the antiknock index with seasonal climatic changes and altitude is discussed in Appendix X1. This specification neither necessarily includes all types of fuels that are satisfactory for automotive vehicles, nor necessarily excludes fuels that can perform unsatisfactorily under certain operating conditions or in certain equipment. The significance of each of the properties of this specification is shown in Appendix X1.

The spark-ignition engine fuels covered in this specification are gasoline and its blends with oxygenates, such as alcohols and ethers and where gasoline is the primary component by volume in the blend. The concentrations and types of oxygenates are not specifically limited in this specification. The composition of both unleaded and leaded fuel is limited by economic, legal, and technical consideration, but their properties, including volatility, are defined by this specification. In many countries, regulatory authorities having jurisdiction have set laws and regulations that limit the concentration of oxygenates and certain other compounds found in sparkignition engine fuel. In the United States, oxygenate types and concentrations are limited to those approved under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) substantially similar rule (see X3.3.1), waivers, and partial waivers including some restrictions on vehicle and equipment use (see X3.3.2). With regard to fuel properties, including volatility, this specification can be more or less restrictive than the EPA rules, regulations, and waivers. Refer to Appendix X3 for discussions of EPA rules relating to fuel volatility, lead and phosphorous contents, sulfur content, benzene content, deposit control additive certification, and use of oxygenates in blends with unleaded gasoline. Contact the EPA for the latest versions of the rules and additional requirements.