OPEI's "LOOK BEFORE YOU PUMP" Ethanol Education and Consumer Protection Campaign Gets Facelift
Dealers & Manufacturers Remind Customers to Fuel Outdoor Power Equipment with Only E10 or less
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), the trade association representing power equipment, engine and utility vehicle manufacturers and suppliers, updates its free consumer and dealer education materials for its "Look Before You Pump" campaign in light of increased availability of higher ethanol fuel blends at gasoline filling stations. Gasoline containing greater than ten percent ethanol (E10) can be harmful to outdoor power equipment and other small engine products, including lawn mowers, snow throwers, power washers, string trimmers, chain saws, and other small engine equipment such as boats, snowmobiles and utility vehicles.
"Using fuel with more than 10 percent ethanol in any gasoline-powered outdoor power equipment can void manufacturer's warranties and damage the engine," said Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI. "We hope that equipment dealers, manufacturers and suppliers will distribute these updated materials and remind consumers to 'look before you pump'."
According to 2016 national polls by Nielson/Harris and OPEI, consumers remain confused about the changing fuels marketplace. Less than one third - only 31 percent of poll respondents - knew that gasoline blends in excess of E10 are harmful to outdoor power equipment. Only five percent knew that gasoline blends in excess of E10 are not approved for use in small engines. Even more alarmingly, sixty percent of poll respondents assumed that any retail fuel is safe for any type of engine.
As higher ethanol blends enter the fuel marketplace, consumers must remember to select gasoline based on the products specifications, and not just choose fuel based on price. With than 250 million pieces of outdoor power equipment is currently in home garages, utility and maintenance sheds, and facility management stations, OPEI urges consumers to remain vigilant and always check their product manuals for proper fueling instructions.
"As an industry, we need to educate consumers about proper and safe fueling so they can make smart decisions at the pump. The 'Look Before You Pump' materials can help dealers, suppliers and manufacturers initiate conversations about proper fueling with consumers," said Kiser.
OPEI launched its "Look Before You Pump" campaign in 2013. Digital version of the materials are free and available for download at tinyurl.com/EthanolEducation.
About OPEI
The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is an international trade association representing more than 100 power equipment, engine and utility vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. OPEI is the advocacy voice of the industry, and a recognized Standards Development Organization for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and active internationally through the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in the development of safety and performance standards. OPEI is managing partner of GIE+EXPO, the industry's annual international trade show, and the creative force behind the environmental education program, TurfMutt.com. OPEI-Canada represents members on a host of issues, including recycling, emissions and other regulatory developments across the Canadian provinces. For more information, visit www.OPEI.org.
Media contacts
Ami Neiberger-Miller, Four Leaf PR on behalf of OPEI, 703-887-4877, [email protected]
Suzanne Henry, Four Leaf PR on behalf of OPEI, 434-972-7278, [email protected]
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161121/441695
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140609/116336
SOURCE Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI)
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