Is it worth paying a premium to get premium gasoline? Here’s why you probably don’t need it.
Why are electric cars heavier than gasoline cars?
Electric cars are heavy. Seriously. Automakers are developing new battery technologies to reduce the load.
- Fuel is divided into different grades based on gas station octane rating.
- Only some performance engines require premium fuel for maximum power, fuel efficiency, and engine function.
Are you paying too much for premium gas or giving your car sub-optimal performance because you fueled it incorrectly?
At gas stations, gasoline is classified by octane rating. Most drivers drive vehicles that require only the lowest octane available at the station (known as regular). On the other hand, some performance vehicles require premium, the highest octane gasoline available at the stand, to mechanically provide the best driving experience.
Here’s how to determine what type of gasoline your car needs and why it’s so important for some cars.
Does your car need premium gasoline?
If you drive a regular passenger car, you probably don’t need to buy high-octane fuel for your engine. When in doubt, a Google search or your owner’s manual will tell you exactly what type of fuel your vehicle needs. Additionally, filling the average vehicle with higher octane gasoline than necessary will not improve vehicle performance. This is because vehicles are not designed to benefit from high octane gas.
| fuel grade | usually | plus | premium |
| octane | 87+ | 89+ | 91+ |
High-octane gas is for high-performance engines, which are most commonly found in sports cars and pickup trucks. Low octane (or regular) gas is for most standard engines. Additionally, vehicles with high-performance engines can run on lower octane gas, but are more likely to experience “engine knock,” an unpleasant noise that occurs when fuel doesn’t burn smoothly. Excessive engine knocking “can lead to expensive engine repairs,” says Kelley Blue Book.
If you own a standard vehicle that does not require high-octane fuel, there is no longevity or performance benefit to purchasing a more expensive gasoline type. In contrast, purchasing a cheaper fuel type for a high-performance vehicle can result in lower power output and a worse driving experience. This can eventually damage the engine.
What cars require high-octane gasoline?
If you own a large pickup truck with six or eight cylinders, you may need higher octane gasoline to get the best performance from your engine. Sports cars like the Toyota GR Supra, Nissan Z, BMW M4, and Ford Mustang GT require premium gasoline.
Typical passenger cars, such as the Honda Civic and Toyota Camry, do not require high-octane fuel. Knowing exactly what type of fuel your car needs can save you a lot of money annually on fuel and potentially thousands of dollars in engine repairs or replacements.
What does intermediate gas do?
Most cars require regular gasoline and high-performance cars require premium gas, but what is the purpose of Plus midgrade fuel?Midgrade gasoline is ideal for vehicles that have high power output but do not require premium gas. These engines include models equipped with turbochargers such as entry-level luxury cars and SUVs.
Mid-grade gas helps vehicles (which require gas with an octane rating of 89 or higher) achieve the best possible fuel efficiency and performance. If your owner’s manual specifies that your car requires fuel with an octane rating of 89 or higher, you should use mid-grade gasoline to avoid mechanical problems.
Popular models that require midgrade Plus fuel include some Dodge Charger and Jeep Grand Cherokee trims.
Using the wrong type of fuel in your vehicle can have dire consequences. Take care of your engine and your wallet by taking the time to research the type of gas your car needs.
