A simple way a lot of people are overlooking to save on gas.

Tony Pochowski

While talking to a customer, I started thinking about whether we're approaching saving money on gas from the only possible angle. I mean, everyone is looking for high-gas mileage vehicles. And obviously, that's a way to save on gas money. But, if you could fuel your car with something cheaper, that'd save you money too.

Which led me to remember that there's a fuel source that works on a lot of vehicles that a lot of people are probably overlooking--E85. E85 is a combination of ethanol and gas that contains more ethanol than gas--85% ethanol to 15% gas. (Your typical gasoline contains more gas than ethanol--85% gas to 15% ethanol.)

What does this mean for you? A pretty big savings.

Because ethanol is derived from corn, and not oil, it hasn't been subject to the vast price increases lately, and often costs over a $1.00 per gallon less than regular unleaded gasoline.

Not every car is equipped to use E85 as fuel though, so before filling up, check this list to see if your car is on it. There's a longer list available here, at the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration website.

Of the vehicles Braeger offers, the following are E85 (flex-fuel) capable (from the Wisconsin DoA website):

Daimler Chrysler:

• Select 2003-2006 2.7L Chrysler Sebrings


• All 1998-2003 3.3L Plymouth/Chrysler Voyagers


• All 1998-2003 3.3L Town & Country

Ford Motor Company:

• Select 2006 5.4L Ford F150s (3-valve) (Available December 2005)


• Select 2006 4.6L Crown Victorias (2-valve) (Excludes taxi and police units)


• Select 1995-2006 3.0L Taurus LX, SE and SES


• Select 2002-2005 4.0L Explorers


• Select 2004-2005 4.0L Explorer Sport Tracs


• Select 1999-2003 3.0L Rangers & Ranger Supercabs 4WD & 2WD

General Motors:

• Select 2006 3.5L Chevy Impalas


• Select 2006 3.5L Monte Carlos


• Select 2006-2006 5.3L Vortec-Engine Chevy Avalanches


• Select 2002-2006 5.3L Vortec-Engine Chevy Surburbans


• Select 2002-2006 5.3:L Vortec-Engine Chevy Tahoes


• Select 2002-2006 5.3L V-8 Engine Chevy Silverados


• Select 2000-2006 5.3L 2.2L Chevy S-10 (After 12/99)

If you see your vehicle on the list, check your owner's manual to see if your engine is set up to use E85. You can also contact us, and we can let you know if your vehicle is "flex-fuel capable."

The next obvious question is:

Where can I find E85?

Right now only select gas stations offer E85. Here's a list of Milwaukee, WI area gas stations offering the E85, also from the Wisconsin DoA website.

Citgo 145 W Oklahoma Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53207 (414) 483-6398	Citgo 2426 N. Farwell Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53211 (414) 347-1764
Citgo 425 E. Capitol Dr. Milwaukee, WI 53212 (414) 961-2425	Marathon 4137 W. Fond Du Lac Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53216 (414) 447-9082
Marathon 10501 Brown Deer Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53224 (414) 586-0851

If you have any more questions, feel free to call us at:

1-800-508-4135

You can also contact us electronically by email here or by leaving a comment below.