
We all see the different fuel choices when at the gas pump. But what is really the main difference between regular, mid-grade and premium gasoline?
“Premium sounds like the very best, however it might not be the best for the car's engine,” says Ellsworth Buck, V . p . of Insurance, Florida's top independent car insurance agency.
The difference between fuels is due to octane. Fuel contains oxygen. The oxygen helps to keep the gas from prematurely lighting within the engine or knocking. Car and Driver explains, “A higher octane rating indicates greater resistance to knock, the first combustion from the fuel-air mixture that causes cylinder pressure to spike. When higher-octane fuel is flowing through its injectors, the engine controller can engage in the improved knock threshold and dial in additional aggressive timing and higher boost pressures to improve performance.”
Octane ratings differ slightly between states. In Florida 87 is regular, 89 is mid-grade and 91-93 is premium. Consult your car's manual to know the required gas for your vehicle. Whether it states, “Premium Unleaded Fuel Only,” that is a requirement. But often drivers mistake the manufacturers recommendation as requirement.
According to U.S. News, “Modern vehicles are designed to include knock sensors, which could change the timing of the spark plug to help prevent engine knock. Cars having a premium fuel recommendation can run normally on lower-octane fuel, however, you won't realize the car's full potential without higher-octane fuel.”
You might want to test drive it on your own. Enable your car get on empty while you feel comfortable, then fill it a quarter tank with premium, drive and observe your vehicle's performance. Do the same with the regular to look for the difference.
The most apparent difference between regular and premium gas is the price,” says Ellsworth Buck, V . p . of Insurance, Florida's top independent auto insurance agency.
It's true, the larger the octane, the larger the price. However, higher octane doesn't always mean better performance, that depends on the engine's technology and additional factors underneath the hood.
Other information about premium gas, raising the octane rating doesn’t alter the energy content of a gallon of gasoline. Also, utilizing a higher octane gasoline won't help clean your engine. The U.S. Epa (EPA) requires all commercially sold gasoline to contain engine cleaning detergent additives that will help extend the life span of your vehicle. This means that your engine is going to be cleaned exactly the same by 87 octane fuel as it will by 93 octane fuel, so don’t believe that it's necessary to deal with your car to some higher grade.