Tetraethyllead is an organolead compound used as a highly effective octane booster in aviation and automotive fuels. It allows engines to run higher compression ratios without preignition. Due to severe environmental and health hazards, as well as its destructive effect on catalytic converters, it was phased out of standard road fuels.
You can't run TEL fuels in this car or you'll instantly foul the oxygen sensors and melt the catalyst.
Also heard as
- tetraethyl lead
- leaded gas
Related terms
Anti-knock index
The standard numerical rating of a fuel's resistance to premature ignition.
Knock
An abnormal and damaging combustion event where the air-fuel mixture self-ignites prematurely.
Detonation
An uncontrolled secondary explosion in the combustion chamber that causes severe engine damage.
Catalytic converter
An exhaust emission control device that reduces toxic gases and pollutants into less harmful compounds.