Ever feel confused filling up your car at the gas station and wonder what the difference is between regular and premium gas? Does your vehicle need one or the other? Will it work better with premium? Let’s take a closer look.
The Difference Between Regular and Premium Gas
The most obvious difference between regular and premium gas is the price. Premium gas usually costs about twenty cents more per gallon than the regular variety. It also has a higher octane level which means it’s less flammable. This is why a vehicle with a higher compression engine requires higher octane gas. High octane fuels have a lower emission level than regular gas.
Engines Are Designed to Run a Certain Type of Fuel
Never use regular or premium gas without checking your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Every engine is designed to work with a certain kind of fuel and using the incorrect fuel could lead to major, even disastrous problems. Using a lower octane level fuel than recommended for your car could lead to loud unusual sounds coming from your engine since the gas will be combusting too fast. It can also lead to a slow reduction of your car’s overall power and gas mileage, leading to a shorter life for your engine. On the other hand, using a higher octane level than recommended for your car is less dangerous but useless.
If Regular Works for Your Car, Skip the Premium
Any expert will tell you that using premium gas when your car is built to run on regular has no known benefits. You’ll basically be throwing money down the drain. Skip the premium and just fill up on regular gas.
Not sure which kind of gas your car needs? Check your owner’s manual. Still not sure? Ask the pros at Quality Lube Plus at your next oil change.