How many times have you stopped at a gas station to fill up your car’s gas tank in your life? Probably hundreds… you do it so much that you do not stop to think about it and it has become second nature to you. But what really is the difference between all of the various fueling options? Is there even a difference big enough for you to even think twice about?
It’s time you knew what’s fueling your car…
Gasoline
Almost every person that drives fills his or her car with regular gasoline. But, all gas is not created equal. As you probably knew already, there are three different grades of gasoline; regular, plus, and premium. But, what is the difference between these grades? Well, each one is given an octane rating, which is used to judge the volatility of gas. Basically, the lower the rating, the easier it is for the gasoline to burn. The octane rating also represents the gasoline’s ability to resist pre ignition, also known as engine knock.
Octane Ratings
- Regular – 85 to 87
- Plus – 88 to 90
- Premium – 90 and above
So you’re probably asking yourself, “will my car run better if I put a higher octane in it?” The answer is a resounding NO. The octane requirement of your car is based on the kind of engine you have. So, if you have a car that requires regular unleaded, then that is the grade of gasoline that will have your car performing at its best. So, you should to stick to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Gasoline Alternatives for some vehicles
- Ethanol – A renewable, domestically produced alcohol fuel made from corn, sugar cane, and other plant materials.
- Diesel – Does not require a spark to explode in an engine’s cylinders (as gas does). Thus, diesel can push a vehicle 20% to 40% further than gasoline.
- Electric – Acts the same way as gas without any kind of combustion.
So, the next time you fill up, stop a second to think about what your fuel is really doing for you!