What Is the Difference Between Regular and Premium Gas?

Although some manufacturers have been able to create vehicles that use batteries and hybrid engines instead of gas, with a gas station in every corner of the city, the popularity of gas is still undeniable. Most gas stations offer three octane levels: regular (about 87), mid-grade (about 89) and premium (91 to 93).

In spite of the fact that there may be several choices, like regular, mid, premium, this fuel is commonly categorized into two: regular and premium. The well-known difference between the two is the diffent number of octanes that they contain. The premium one tends to have more octanes and, of course, a higher price tag. Some people even claim that the gap between the prices of these two gas types can reach $120 per year. In fact, octane has nothing to do with energy content or quality – it’s a measurement of the gasoline’s ability to resist engine knock. Higher octane denotes greater knock control.

Federal Trade Commission, however, states that cars normally do not perform based on the fuel quality. In fact, car owners should check the manual lists to figure out the standard requirement and find out which type of gas works well with the manufactured parts. Should there be no requirement or recommendation for premium fuel, using such expensive gas will not make any difference. The car will simply run the way it does with nothing better. Many performance and luxury cars need premium fuel because they have higher compression engines. This means that the engine was designed to handle higher octane fuels that burn hotter and leaner than Regular. If the engine doesn’t use the fuel it was designed for, it can start to knock.

The other thing to consider is that with the more sophisticated technology that the world has today, all types of gas have been added with additives that can help protect the engine. Not only that, car manufacturers have also improved the quality of their engine and parts so they can work well even with low octane gas. In addition, some manufacturers have come up with new devices, like electronic controls and sensors, to monitor engine activities and to adjust ignition. This increases the car performance and its safety measurement regardless the types of fuel used.

Therefore, it is suggested that car owners should buy the type of gas compatible with the engine requirement with less expectation on the magic of the premium gas