Should You Use Premium Gas In Your Vehicle?

We all have those friends with the nice vehicle that we love to ride in so much. They are usually intent on keeping premium gas in their tanks.

The reasoning goes something like this: “My car runs better with premium fuel.” But is that true?

Should You Fill Your Tank With Premium Gas?

The truth is that it may be OK to fill your vehicle with premium gas, but the best way to know is to check the owner’s manual. There it will tell you the type of gas the manufacturer recommends.

If your car manual specifically says that it needs premium fuel, then filling your vehicle up with anything less could damage the engine and, in some cases, void your vehicle warranty.

To understand deeper, let’s talk a little about what premium gas is and what its ingredients are.

What Is Premium Gas?

Premium gas is the highest-octane level for retail-quality fuel. The octane rating for premium gas is generally between 91 and 94.

The more octane in your fuel, the more ignition power your vehicle will have.

What Octane Is Premium Gas?

Premium gas consists of 91 to 94 octane, the highest for retail-quality gasoliine. Regular contains the lowest octane (87) and Midgrade has an octane level about 89 or 90.

What Happens If You Mix Premium And Regular Gas?

If you mix premium and regular fuel, what you will have effectively done is lower the octane into a mid-grade-level fuel. Many gas stations do this anyway.

If you mix two different octanes, most cars will operate just fine. Keep this in mind though: Using regular fuel in a premium vehicle will most definitely reduce the car’s efficiency.

Final Word

If your car’s owner’s manual says to put premium fuel in the tank only, that’s what you do. On the other hand, it’s perfectly alright to put premium fuel in a standard vehicle.

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Keisha Smith

Keisha Smith is a Contributing Writer who attended college at Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge. She is currently writing a book on south Louisiana culture.