Premium vs. Regular Gas Explained
One of the most typical decisions made by people who own cars is whether to fill their tank with premium gas or regular gasoline. It's a decision that's frequently misunderstood, and one that might end up costing you more money at the gas station than it has to.
Here, we'll begin with the fundamentals of deciding between regular and premium gas while filling up your car or truck. When do you need premium gas? How can you tell whether your car needs higher octane gas? Why not use cheaper gas? What are the benefits? As your gas gauge starts to go low, here's what you need to learn about premium petrol.
Premium Gas Explained
The distinction between "premium" and "regular" gasoline varies from one state to the next. Typically, ordinary gas has an octane rating of 87, whereas premium ranges from 91 to 94. Higher compression ratios in some engines benefit from gasoline with a higher octane rating. This phrase describes the explosion of air and fuel that causes the pistons of an engine to repeatedly move up and down.
Furthermore, it is advised that vehicles with high compression ratios, such as those equipped with turbochargers, use premium gas for optimal performance. We don't only mean quick acceleration times when we say that. Your car's efficiency, power, and pollution are all affected by the gasoline you use. If you go through the owner's handbook, you should be able to know what type of gas the manufacturer suggests using.
Premium vs. Regular Gas
As we said earlier, turbocharged cars and those with high compression ratio engines are typically advised to use premium gas. By making use of it, you may keep vital aspects such as performance and fuel efficiency at their original levels. In addition, it lessens the possibility of the engine "knocking." Not even your automobile knocking on the front door would suffice. Engine problems caused by knocking can be severe.
Incorrect air/fuel ratios in the piston's combustion chamber result in audible engine knocks. Extensive engine banging might result in costly repairs down the road. It may be worthwhile to spend a bit more per gallon if it means avoiding costly repairs down the road due to knocks and pings. AAA states that the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.26 at the moment this article was written, a decrease from the record high of $5.016 in 2022.
The average price of a high grade is $4.01. If you are buying 13 gallons of gas, that will save you $9.75. Considering that the three best-selling new cars for sale in the United States are all full-size pickup trucks, this is a substantial sum. The price difference between ordinary and premium fuel increases dramatically when filling up a large vehicle's tank.
What Makes Premium Gas Different From Normal Gas?
Most times, regular gas has an octane rating of 87, whereas premium gas often has a rating of 91 or 93. More compression may be applied before detonation occurs in fuel with a higher octane rating. The risk of an accidental explosion is reduced when the octane rating is higher. Sometimes, your car will be OK if this happens.
But, if this keeps happening to your engine, it might accelerate its performance deterioration. High compression ratio engines and turbocharged vehicles benefit greatly from the higher octane gasoline available in premium gas. Nonetheless, modern automobiles are designed to operate efficiently while using regular gasoline.
| Gas type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Premium |
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| Regular |
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Is It OK To Mix Premium Gas With Unleaded?
Even though it's not advised, you probably won't notice much of a difference in your car's performance if you mix ordinary and premium petrol. But, if your automobile is a high-performance or luxury model that requires high-octane fuel, you may experience a loss of acceleration or a string of strange noises. Compared to standard gas, which has an octane rating of only 87, premium gas has a far higher rating of 91.
When combined in a 1:1 ratio, the resulting gasoline has a grade of 89, or "mid-grade." Decreasing the octane in premium vehicles will slow them down temporarily but shouldn't damage them permanently. If you need premium petrol and a gas station is out, but you only have regular gas, it's better to add a gallon or two of ordinary gas so you can go to another gas station, where premium gas could be available.
After you have arrived at the next gas station, perform a standard fill-up using the premium gasoline with a higher octane rating as you would usually. When combined with the fresh supply of premium gasoline, the one or two gallons of regular fuel you poured into the tank earlier won't create any problems. Several petrol stations and convenience stores along highways also sell octane boosters. If you need to use regular fuel in your high-end car, these convenient little bottles will help you get the most out of it.
Car Octane Requirements
Regular, midgrade, and premium fuels are often available at gas stations. The octane ratings of these various fuels vary widely. Depending on where you live, regular gas will have approximately 87 Octane, mid-grade gas will have 89, and premium gas will have between 91 and 93. If your car needs high-octane fuel—defined as anything above 90 in most of the United States—you should use premium instead of normal or mid-grade to get the most out of it.
Vehicles with turbochargers or large engines typically need premium fuel. Vehicles with such high compression ratios require high-octane gasoline for optimal performance. There may be noises produced by the engine or a decrease in overall performance if low-octane gasoline is introduced into a turbocharger.
What Makes Premium Gas Different From Regular?
Premium gas has a higher octane rating than conventional gas, and knowing this might help you tell the difference. Octane is added to gasoline to make the combustion process in an engine more efficient. Fast-combustion high-performance automobiles benefit most from fuels with a higher octane rating. Mistimed combustion is reduced when high-octane gasoline is used in these high-performance vehicles.
When compared to conventional gas, premium fuel has a higher octane rating. Depending on where you are located, the average is between 91 and 93. In reality, there are locations where premium gas has an octane value higher than 93. Yet, the octane rating of ordinary gas is 87. Mistimed combustion is more common with lower octane levels in gasoline. If the octane number is high, then there is less of a danger of untimely combustion.
One possible explanation for the occasional usage of premium gasoline in conventional gas automobiles is that it is more effective at avoiding engine knock. Low-frequency pings from time to time won't damage your used cars. Unfortunately, doing this again and over again will hasten the wear and strain on your engine, which will eventually lead to damage.
How Can I Maximize My Fuel Efficiency?
The first step is to maintain regular auto service. Fuel might be wasted if the engine isn't in good condition. It's noted that a loss of 0.3% in fuel economy occurs for every pound of pressure lowered in all four tires, thus keeping them properly inflated is essential. You should also use the correct grade of motor oil, just as you should use the gasoline octane level advised by the manufacturer. Doing so can significantly increase the efficiency of your gasoline.
Second, find ways to reduce the weight you have to carry. When you are not transporting anything, you should lower your roof storage rack and unload any cargo that is resting there that is not being used. You'll go through a lot more gas to get the same amount of movement with this on board. For the same reason, you should maintain a clean trunk or cargo compartment regularly.
Finally, when waiting for an extended amount of time, try to avoid idling your vehicle. Leaving the car running may seem convenient, but it uses more petrol than turning it off. If you need to get some fresh air, crack that window open. Also, whenever you can, set your car on cruise control and enjoy the ride. You may conserve gasoline and save wear on your vehicle by maintaining a constant pace rather than accelerating and decelerating often. However, ensure that you check the VIN number before buying the vehicle.
Mixing Regular and Premium Gas: Endnote
It is typically not a good idea to combine premium and normal gasoline in any vehicle. If you have a premium automobile, you should only use premium fuel in it; if you have a standard car, you should stick with regular petrol. A car designed to operate on normal gas will not benefit from mixing the two, while a car designed to run on premium gas may not perform as well. Don't experiment with your car's octane rating until necessary.
What’s more, you should get the OK from car specialists before you start pumping premium gas into your ordinary vehicle. Do not allow yourself to be misled by the widespread belief that using premium fuel in conventional automobiles will improve the vehicle's maneuverability, handling, and overall performance. The most important thing for any vehicle is to do routine maintenance and inspections at the recommended intervals. You'll never have to worry about your car's performance while using the two together.
FAQs
The following are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding mixing normal and premium gas.
Does Premium Gas Burn Faster?
Since regular unleaded gas burns more quickly than premium unleaded gas, it is better suited for use in vehicles that have engines with lower compression ratios. Premium fuel is recommended for engines with a high compression ratio.
What Kind Of Vehicles Require Premium Gas?
If your luxury vehicle has a high-performance or turbocharged engine, you may need to use premium petrol. A vehicle's upper trim levels may demand premium petrol even if you're not specifically shopping for a luxury brand.
Does Premium Gas Last Longer?
There is no difference in fuel tank longevity between ordinary and premium gas. The only time a person who owns a car could give thought to how long the gas in their vehicle will last is if it has been lying unused for a prolonged period.
Do High-Octane Fuels Increase Mileage?
Most typical automobiles can run on regular gasoline, as noted by the Federal Trade Commission "There is no benefit to using a higher octane fuel than what is recommended in the vehicles manual. It will not improve your car's performance, speed, gas mileage, or emissions."
How Do I Choose Which Gas to Use?
Your vehicle's fuel type requirements are specific to its make, model, and year. In most cases, this information will be clearly displayed on the gas cap or included in the user manual. In some vehicles, the term "Premium" may also appear on the dashboard next to the low fuel indicator.
FAQs
How do I choose a gas type? ›
How Do I Know What Fuel My Car Takes? You'll find the minimum octane rating in the owner's manual, and cars that require premium fuel will usually say so on or near the gas cap, and sometimes even by the fuel gauge. If your car specifies premium fuel, use the good stuff.
What gas is better 89 or 91? ›Most cars on the road recommend a standard grade 87 or 89. Premium gas 90-93 is completely okay to put in a standard vehicle. Car experts say there is no risk of damage to a standard car using premium fuel.
What type of gas is best for my car? ›Regular gas with 87 octane level is suitable for most engines, while premium gas with higher octane levels (91-94) is required for some high-output engines. Engines designed for regular-octane gas gain little to no benefit from using high-octane fuel.
What is the best Top Tier gasoline? ›You'll know you're filling up with the good stuff if you spot a small green sticker on the pump that says “TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.” As of early 2022, the following stations sold Top Tier gasoline in the U.S.: 76, ARCO, Aloha, Beacon, Breakaway, CITGO, Cenex, Chevron, Conoco, Costco Wholesale, CountryMark, ...
Is there really a difference in gas types? ›Retail gasoline stations in the United States sell three main grades of gasoline based on the octane level: Regular (the lowest octane fuel–generally 87) Midgrade (the middle range octane fuel–generally 89–90) Premium (the highest octane fuel–generally 91–94)
What happens if you put 87 octane in a 93 octane car? ›If the octane rating is less than 91, you could damage the engine and may void your vehicle warranty.
Is it OK to mix 89 and 93 gas? ›It really is this simple: Equal amounts of 89- and 93-octane gas gives you a tankful of 91 octane.
What happens if I put 89 instead of 87? ›If you use a lower-than-recommended octane, fuel can combust too quickly for your engine to take full advantage of it. This combustion causes knocking, which sounds like a light pinging or rattling noise. It's a result of the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders igniting too early.
Is it bad to mix 89 and 91 gas? ›Mixing the grades to get 91 or so shouldn't hurt, but it probably isn't saving you much money. Using anything higher than your manual recommends probably won't help your car's performance – but using lower might save you a few bucks, Leroux says. If you notice knocking, you should switch back.
Does premium gas get better mileage? ›Premium gas has a higher resistance to engine knock in luxury and performance vehicles with turbochargers or high-compression engines, so you can hit that horsepower smoothly. Additionally, premium gas can increase fuel efficiency, potentially bringing better gas mileage for longer while decreasing emissions.
Does brand of gas matter? ›
Yes, it does matter, because some brands contain more detergent additives that can prevent carbon deposits from forming inside your engine. These are the so-called Top Tier brands that use considerably more detergent and/or additives than is required by the EPA.
What is the best gas for older cars? ›Standard Low-Ethanol Fuels
While high-octane fuel is preferred for classics, they can run perfectly well on lower octane petrol, especially if the ignition is adjusted to counteract the change in combustion rate.
AAA TOP TIER study and recommendation
Cenex TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline includes a special detergent package that exceeds EPA standards. It has 2.5 times the cleaning power of conventional gasoline and it's proven to remove engine deposits. This provides better fuel economy and engine performance.
Costco is listed as a TOP TIER™ gasoline retailer. Find out more at www.toptiergas.com. Kirkland Signature™ Gasoline contains five times the EPA detergent requirement in both regular unleaded and premium grades, and is formulated to clean your engine and help your vehicle run like new.
What gasoline lasts the longest? ›- Properly stored gasoline can last up to half a year. ...
- Ethanol-blended gas lasts up to 3 months. ...
- Pure gasoline keeps for at least 6 months. ...
- Fuel-stabilized gasoline keeps for 1 to 3 years.
While gas without ethanol typically results in increased fuel economy, it's not always worth it. You may experience a slight increase in your MPGs, but you'll likely notice the increased price at the pump. Ethanol-free gas comes with a premium price tag, typically $. 30 to $1.00 more per gallon.
Is there better quality gas? ›However, all gas has detergents that prevent clogging in the fuel injector, and no brand of gas is better quality than any other for your vehicle.
Will mixing premium and regular gas mess up your car? ›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 I accidentally put E85 in my car? ›If your car isn't a flex-fuel vehicle and you mistakenly add E85 to your tank, you may notice reduced performance and gas mileage. Your check engine light may also appear, but the mishap likely won't damage the engine. They recommend topping the tank off with regular gasoline several times.
What are the pros and cons of premium gas? ›Premium gas has a higher octane level, making it much smoother for your engine. By ensuring that the engine combustion occurs at the right times, premium gas limits the amount of damage improper engine combustion may cause. Pro: If the vehicle asks for premium, standard gas could damage it.
What are the disadvantages of high octane fuel? ›
Simply put, higher octane gas won't lead to better car performance, more speed, better mileage, or your car running cleaner. Most cars require regular gasoline, and using higher octane means wasting your coins.
How to save money on premium gas? ›- Buy the right fuel. Most vehicles perform well on regular unleaded regular gas. ...
- Screw the gas cap on. ...
- Watch your speed. ...
- Avoid idling. ...
- Skip the roof rack and carrier. ...
- Keep your tires aired up. ...
- Pay attention to your miles per gallon.
No, premium gas does not last longer than regular gasoline in a fuel tank. A car owner might only consider the longevity of a car's gas if the vehicle has been sitting unused for an extended period.
Why should I use 93 gas? ›Premium gas — that is, gas with an octane rating of 91 or more — is required for some high performance and luxury vehicles. Gasoline with a high octane rating is more difficult to ignite, which helps prevent pre-ignition and knocking in high performance engines.
Why is 89 gas better than 87? ›The main difference with premium is its octane rating — 91 or higher compared with 87 for regular octane. The higher octane gives premium gas greater resistance to early fuel ignition, which can result in potential damage, sometimes accompanied by audible engine knocking or pinging.
Can you mix 87 and 93? ›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 is the point of 89 octane gas? ›89 gas is typically considered a higher grade of fuel compared to 87 because it contains a higher octane rating. Generally, higher octane fuel is better suited for vehicles with high-performance engines because it is less likely to combust prematurely, which can cause engine knocking or pinging.
Is there a big difference between 87 and 89 octane? ›Regular gas is rated at 87 octane in most states, while premium gas is often rated higher at 91 or 93. Fuel with a higher octane rating can stand up to higher compression before it detonates. Essentially, the higher the octane rating, the lower the likelihood that detonation happens at the wrong time.
Is there a big difference between 89 and 91 octane? ›Raising the octane rating (also known as the anti-knock index) doesn't change the energy content of a gallon of gasoline. A higher octane rating indicates greater resistance to knock, the early combustion of the fuel-air mixture that causes cylinder pressure to spike.
Is 89 octane gas mixed at the pump? ›Gasoline is primarily composed of isooctane and heptane. The numbers on the pump, usually in the 80s and 90s, are simply the octane rating, or the percentage of the isooctane in the mixture. For example, gasoline with an 89 octane rating contains 11% heptane and 89% isooctane.
What happens if you accidentally put regular gas instead of premium? ›
Putting Regular Fuel in a Car That Requires Premium
Using lower octane fuel in a vehicle that requires premium gas could cause some serious internal damage. You'll most likely notice the spark knock (a sort of high-pitched pinging or rattling noise).
About 55 miles per hour is the optimum speed for most cars. Kick it up to 65 mph and you are 8 percent less efficient; at 80 mph you are 28 percent less efficient. Slowing down can also mean reducing your carbon footprint.
Do certain gas brands last longer? ›THE ANSWER. No, there's no difference in gasoline itself but brands mix in different additives, which some studies have shown may impact the quality or wear and tear on your engine over time.
Should I buy name brand gas? ›In the consumer industry, brand often doesn't really matter, but when it comes to gas brands, it does. Gas brands differ according to detergent additives used to prevent carbon deposits from accumulating in your engine. “Top Tier” brands are known to use more detergent and/or additives than the EPA requires.
Which gas stations sell Top Tier gas? ›Retailers include 76, Aloha Petroleum, Arco, Beacon, Breakaway, Cenex, Chevron, Citgo, Conoco, Costco, CountryMark, Diamond Shamrock, Express Mart, Exxon, Fast Fuel, GetGo, HFN, Harmons Fuel Stop, Hele, Holiday, Kwik Star, Kwik Trip, Marathon, Meijer, Metro Petro, Mobil, Ohana Fuels, Phillips 66, QT/Quik Trip, Reeders, ...
Is 2 year old gasoline still good? ›Gasoline can last between three months and three years depending on the type of gas and if it is properly stored. It's important to note while all gas will naturally begin to degrade over time thanks to exposure to oxygen (also known as oxidation), all gas is not created equal.
How do you bring old gas back to life? ›Simply fill your car's fuel tank or a storage tank with 3 gallons (11 l) of fresh gas for every 1 gallon (3 l) of old gas you pour in. Then, gently rock your car or shake the storage tank to mix the gas together. Mixing new gas with old gas adds back in the combustive chemicals that evaporated out of the old gas.
Will seafoam fix bad gas? ›Yes, you can use a mixture of Sea Foam Motor Treatment (or High Mileage) and fresh fuel at a ratio of 50/50. That ratio will be plenty strong to clean. Pour the mixture in the tank, and let it sit for 24-48 hours.
Will Dawn dish soap clean gasoline? ›If your clothes come out of the wash still smelling like gasoline, treat the stain with laundry detergent, dish soap, or baking soda. Scrub the stain with two tablespoons of dish soap or laundry detergent for five minutes before soaking it in hot water for 30 minutes.
Does Dawn clean gasoline? ›Pretreat With Dish Soap or Heavy-Duty Detergent
Liquid dish soap is designed to remove greasy and oily stains, especially the Dawn brand. If you do not have it handy, you can pretreat with an enzyme-based heavy-duty liquid detergent. Work in 2 tablespoons of dish soap or liquid detergent with a soft-bristle brush.
What's the best additive for bad gas? ›
- Best Overall: Lucas LUC10013 Fuel Treatment.
- Best Value: Red Line Complete Fuel System Cleaner.
- Honorable Mention: Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment Concentrate.
- Best for Diesel Engines: Opti-Lube XPD Formula Diesel Fuel Additive.
- Most Versatile: Helix Racing Products 5-in-1 Ultimate Fuel Additive.
A: Costco buys fuel from major refineries and distributors in each area. All Kirkland Signature™ Fuel is guaranteed, just like the merchandise we sell inside the warehouse.
Which gas is better Costco or Shell? ›Is Costco gas worth the wait? In terms of the properties of the fuel, Costco gas is the same as you'd find any other gas station. They are produced at the same refineries and meet the Top Tier fuel standards. They can cut the price because they also require membership and make you use their affiliated credit card.
What does Costco gas compare to? ›Costco gasoline is practically equal to any other major brand gasoline. You should not notice any difference when filling up your vehicle at Costco as you would with any other brand.
Is 10 year old gasoline still good? ›The Shelf Life of Fuel
Regular gasoline has a shelf life of three to six months, while diesel can last up to a year before it begins to degrade. On the other hand, organic-based Ethanol can lose its combustibility in just one to three months due to oxidation and evaporation.
Last month, California regulators passed rules banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035, a move hailed as a significant victory in the fight against climate change.
Can you store gasoline for 10 years? ›Standard gasoline has a relatively short shelf-life. It starts degrading in a month, and most people avoid using gas once it's 6-12 months old. But if you add a fuel stabilizer, you can multiply the lifespan and keep gas stored for a few years.
Should I use 87 or 89 gas? ›The primary consideration is whether your car requires premium gasoline. If it does, you should use 87-octane only in an emergency. Otherwise, you risk hurting your engine. If your vehicle doesn't require premium gasoline, 89-octane will work just fine.
Which gas is better 87 or 93? ›Regular gas is rated at 87 octane in most states, while premium gas is often rated higher at 91 or 93. Fuel with a higher octane rating can stand up to higher compression before it detonates. Essentially, the higher the octane rating, the lower the likelihood that detonation happens at the wrong time.
Do I need regular or premium gas? ›If the car is designed for regular — or doesn't specifically say that the car requires premium gas — go with regular. There are no benefits to putting premium gas in a car that doesn't need it. Cars that require premium gas will typically specify the minimum octane rating necessary.
What should I use regular or premium gas? ›
Premium gas has a higher resistance to engine knock in luxury and performance vehicles with turbochargers or high-compression engines, so you can hit that horsepower smoothly. Additionally, premium gas can increase fuel efficiency, potentially bringing better gas mileage for longer while decreasing emissions.
What happens if you put 93 instead of 87? ›Let's say your manufacturer recommends you use 93 and fill it up with 87; now, you'll have a problem. If you do this often, you may hear your engine knocking and valve chatter because the fuel won't burn right. Both of these actions mean that your engine will endure damage, and you'll need a mechanic visit.
Is there a downside to using premium gas? ›A vehicle that does not need premium gas would still be benefited by the use of premium gasoline but, with the price, premium gas really isn't ideal. This makes premium gas a bit less valuable than standard as standard can be used in any car with only wear and tear being an issue after time.
What happens if you mix 89 and 93 gas? ›It really is this simple: Equal amounts of 89- and 93-octane gas gives you a tankful of 91 octane.
Is it OK to mix 87 and 91 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.
Does premium gas clean your engine? ›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.
Does higher octane give better mileage? ›The Federal Trade Commission recommends using regular gasoline for most standard cars and notes that: "In most cases, using a higher octane gasoline than your owner's manual recommends offers absolutely no benefit. It won't make your car perform better, go faster, get better mileage, or run cleaner."
Is it OK to switch from regular gas to premium? ›Premium gas is compatible with some engines' high compression ratios. Your owner's manual indicates if high-grade gas is required or recommended for the vehicle. Using regular unleaded gas in a car that requires premium fuel reduces engine performance and can cause damage over time.
What are the symptoms of bad gas in your car? ›- Difficulty starting up.
- Rough idling.
- Pinging sounds.
- Stalling.
- Check engine light illumination.
- Reduced fuel economy.
- Higher emissions.
Some high octane fuels have cleaning additives or detergents that can help to keep the engine clean and run better so this may help to clean out your engine. But for prolonged use, you're unlikely to see a marked return on investment unless premium fuel is specifically advised by the manufacturer.