Sadly,
there's nothing in premium gasoline that would make it last longer than other fuels from the pump
. Since the distinguishing feature is the higher-octane levels, the only real benefit you gain is lowering the chance of engine knocking, which isn't much of a threat on most modern fuel systems.
The octane rating on a modern gas pump is actually a representation of its resistance to knock. In fact, one of the main benefits of premium gas is that
it avoids detonation better than regular gas
. The higher the octane — usually expressed as a range from 87 to 94 — the stronger the resistance.
Because premium gas has a higher octane rating than midgrade or regular gas, it produces a little more power when burnt. Designed for performance cars with large, powerful engines, premium also helps minimize the risk of preignition inside highly-stressed, hot engine cylinders.
Premium-grade gasoline is the most expensive gas you can usually buy, costing
about 50 cents a gallon more than regular
. Because only about 18 percent of new cars sold in the United States need it, there is no advantage in performance, fuel economy or emissions control for the other 82 percent to use high octane.
“Use premium unleaded gasoline with
a posted octane rating of 91 or higher
. If the octane rating is less than 91, you could damage the engine and may void your vehicle warranty. … Some manufacturers recommend premium gas but say that regular or mid-grade gas can be used instead.
Can I mix premium and unleaded gas?
Yes, drivers can mix the two types of fuel
. The combined gas types will result in an octane level somewhere in the middle — something the vehicle “will survive,” according to The Drive.
What happens if you put 93 gas instead of 87?
If you usually fill your tank up with 87-octane gasoline and you accidentally put in a higher octane blend (say, 91, 92, or 93), don't worry. You're actually
filling your car or truck with a different blend of gas
, which means it will burn differently in your engine.
Which gas is better 87 89 or 93?
Regular gas is rated at 87 octane
in most states, while premium gas is often rated higher at 91 or 93. … Essentially, the higher the octane rating, the lower the likelihood that detonation happens at the wrong time. On occasion, this occurrence will likely not harm your vehicle.
Nope
. Regular, plus, and premium gas all come with detergents to mitigate against carbon deposits in your engine. Plus and premium don't come with special powers for cleaning out the engine. If you're interested in cleaning out your engine, you're better off taking it in for service.
- Buick Envision (with 2.0L turbo)
- Buick Regal (all models)
- Buick Regal TourX (all models)
- Chevrolet Equinox (with 2.0-L turbo)
- Chevrolet Malibu (with 2.0-L turbo)
- Fiat 500L (all models)
- GMC Terrain (with 2.0-L turbo)
- Honda Civic (with 1.5-L turbo)
Can I put 89 gas in my BMW?
Most modern BMWs can run on regular gas
, thanks to more electronic components, but this can place stress on parts including electronic knock sensors in your engine. These electronic components allow the engine to detect the type of gas it's running on and adjust performance accordingly, avoiding damage to your engine.
If you accidentally put premium fuel into your regular gas car,
nothing significant will happen
.
In terms of actual energy produced, including improved MPG,
there is actually no real difference between unleaded and premium
. Instead, a higher octane allows for more aggressive driving and a more aggressive engine.
What grade of gas is best for my car?
It is better for your car to use
87, 88 or even 91-octane gas
than to go too low. If you have a luxury car that needs premium gas, try to fill up before driving to a high-altitude location in case you cannot find a gas station that provides the octane you need.
Most luxury car makers require (or recommend) premium gas not because they're trying to be difficult but due to
the requirements of high performance engines
. The car makers maintain that engines that contain a high compression ration benefit from high-octane fuel.
What are the signs of bad gas?
- Burping.
- Passing gas.
- Pain, cramps or a knotted feeling in your abdomen.
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in your abdomen (bloating)
- An observable increase in the size of your abdomen (distention)
