What is the difference between the different grades of gasoline? I mean, does it really matter what grade you use in your car?
What is the difference between the different grades of gasoline? I mean, does it really matter what grade you use in your car?
Yes it does. You should use the grade that is specified by your manufacturer. Using a lower grade of gasonline than recommended can lead to knocking which is improper combustion of the gas. When this occurs little pits and dings can form on the inside of the cylinder and ultimately lead to poor performance or engine failure. The octane rating is a measurement of how easily the gas will burn. The higher the octane, the higher the temperature / pressure that must be present to burn.
Do NOT, however, use a grade higher than that which is specified by the automaker. It's not really bad, but it is a waste of money.
yup wrote:
Do NOT, however, use a grade higher than that which is specified by the automaker. It's not really bad, but it is a waste of money.
Further, if your car can use premium (and most new cars can), you should use it and pay the higher price. Premium has a higher octane and will get a better MPH. It will more than pay for itself.
In fact, most people should be using mid-grade or premium as it will cost less per mile than regular. Problem is most don't think it matters and see premium as a waste of money when it is exactly the opposite.
Further, if your car can use premium (and most new cars can), you should use it and pay the higher price. Premium has a higher octane and will get a better MPH. It will more than pay for itself.
Wrong! They put this item in the glove box of every car, It is called the "Owners Manual". If you open it you will find the proper fuel grade to use. If you use a higher grade you will be wasting money($$$). Save the money and use it for a new pair of shoes or race entry.
Nope wrote:
Wrong! They put this item in the glove box of every car, It is called the "Owners Manual". If you open it you will find the proper fuel grade to use. If you use a higher grade you will be wasting money($$$). Save the money and use it for a new pair of shoes or race entry.
That's what I mean. If you look at the Owner's manuel for most new cars, it will say you can use premium in it. (Or Maybe I should qualify it in saying most new cars I buy or consider buying).
7% of the gas sold in this coutnry is premium. But more than 7% of the cars are designed to run on premium. Their is a disconnect.
Another question. Any remember the old Sinclair gas stations? They had a dinosaur on their logo. What was the highest octane they sold? Was it 220? (versus 87 for regular and 92 for premium). The stuff was rocket fuel.
A related question: why is it that out west (especially in the Rockies) the octane offerings at gas stations are lower than on the east coast. On the east coast I'm used to seeing 87-94. Out west it is usually 85-91 or so. Does it have something to do with altitude?