87 octane gasoline, often called "regular" gas, is one of the most commonly used fuels in the United States. But what gives it that 87 rating is a word you've probably heard a time or two: Ethanol.

If you've been wondering how Ford's EcoBoost engines make max power on 87 octane, sorry to burst your bubble, but they don't. Sure, the manual for your F-150 with the EcoBoost 3.5 reads "Your vehicle ...