alt Hacker News>was relatively easily replaced.
It wasn't easily replaced. For many decades there weren't any alternatives for anti-knock additives.
>was relatively easily replaced.
It wasn't easily replaced. For many decades there weren't any alternatives for anti-knock additives.
"…there weren't any alternatives for anti-knock additives.".
Presumably, you mean there weren't any alternatives for anti-knock additives for around the same price as tetraethyllead.
Octane ratings can be increased sans Pb if needed. Trouble is the extra refining and reduced yield increases costs which consumers weren't prepared to pay for.