![Gas was $2.39 at the BP gas station ay 46th Street at Lyndale in South Minneapolis. ] GLEN STUBBE * gstubbe@startribune.com Friday September 4, 2015 Pre-Labor Day gas prices in the U.S. are the lowest in 11 years, and under $2 per gallon in many states, though Minnesota's average is nearly 40 cents higher. Just one station, in Brainerd, was selling at $1.99. Checking on whether that is a promotion. Costco and Sams Clubs, usually the low price leaders, were 15 cents more. With some motorists' tho](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/4U372WPXFGGQGQHPL2CTC4SFUY.jpg?&w=712)
Q: I recently became the owner of a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali truck. The gas cap is yellow and states “85/Gasoline. Do not use additives with E85 fuel.” I have been using only E85 to fill up. However, given that it is sometimes difficult to find E85, is there any harm in using regular 87 octane? Unfortunately, I do not have access to the owner’s manual and internet searches have varying opinions.
A: You certainly can use regular 87 octane gasoline in a “flex fuel” vehicle that runs on E85. But you can’t use E85 in any vehicle that does not accept it even though the price may temp some people to try. Don’t do it.
Stick to it
Q: I have a 2010 Camry, and my dashboard is sticky. I tried to clean it with soap and water. I also got a product from an auto parts store. This sticky stuff is bad, and I can’t get rid of it. Do you have any suggestions?
A: I can’t stand a sticky dashboard either. Like you, I have tried all kinds of products and household cleaners. The solution I finally settled on is a dash mat cover. It not only solved the problem, it improved the appearance and reduced reflections in the windshield.
Gas cap at fault
Q: After driving my 2017 Subaru Outback about 100 miles on a full tank of gas, a number of warning lights came on at the same time, including the check engine light and Xmode. I checked with a mechanic and was told I would be OK driving to my destination, another 100 miles away. Someone suggested that my gas cap may have been loose. Although it appeared to be on correctly, I took it off and screwed it back on. The lights went away. Do I need to get this checked out? My driving range is now incorrect, showing a higher range than I know I have. Will this correct over time?
A: A loose gas cap will trigger warning lights. Yes, your MPG calculations will return to normal, probably the next time you fill up.
Bob Weber is a writer, mechanic and ASE-certified Master Automobile Technician. His writing has appeared in automotive trade publications, Consumer Guide and Consumers Digest. Send automotive questions along with name and town to motormouth.tribune@gmail.com.
![Gas was $2.39 at the BP gas station ay 46th Street at Lyndale in South Minneapolis. ] GLEN STUBBE * gstubbe@startribune.com Friday September 4, 2015 Pre-Labor Day gas prices in the U.S. are the lowest in 11 years, and under $2 per gallon in many states, though Minnesota's average is nearly 40 cents higher. Just one station, in Brainerd, was selling at $1.99. Checking on whether that is a promotion. Costco and Sams Clubs, usually the low price leaders, were 15 cents more. With some motorists' tho](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/4U372WPXFGGQGQHPL2CTC4SFUY.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)