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Effects of Different Grades of Fuel on Your Engine

Apr 17, 2019

What is the Best Fuel Grade for my Car?

best fuel grade for your car
Everyone sees the typical three fuel options at the gas station, but which one is the best for your vehicle? Next time you choose unleaded, plus, or premium, you may want to read further information.

Types of fuel are grouped by their octane level. Premium fuel has higher octane points while unleaded has less. A regular octane level is usually around 87, mid-grade 89, and premium 91-93. Usually a higher-octane level fuel performs more efficiently. However, most people choose the lowest octane level fuel available because it is the cheapest option. Which fuel is the best for you?

  1. Unleaded or Regular Fuel

    Unleaded or regular gas is usually 15-20 cents cheaper a gallon than premium gas, saving you over a hundred dollars in a year. Because of technology improvements, unleaded gas has the same, basic quality of medium-grade or premium fuel. Some industry experts believe there is no point in using any gas other than unleaded or regular, because they are all basically the same. Most cars have their own way of making up for low octane levels, leaving your engine’s system perfectly fine. Your car’s owner’s manual should clarify if you need to use a specific fuel grade. If there are no clarifications, you should probably just use unleaded. This will save you money and get your car from point A to point B.

  2. Plus or Mid-Grade Gasoline
    
Mid-grade fuel is good to consider when you want the benefits of a higher-octane level fuel, but don’t want to pay the full price. A medium octane level gas will slightly improve your fuel efficiency, also saving you money. If you are currently using unleaded gas and your engine is making a dinging or ringing sound, you can move up to plus or mid-grade gas and it should stop. If not, try moving up to premium gas, and if that doesn’t work, contact an automotive professional. He or she should be able to find out exactly where the noise is coming from and why. You may also want to check your owner’s manual to see what type of gas your car requires.

  3. Premium or High-Grade Fuel

    This fuel is the most expensive of the three because it is the highest octane-level fuel available. Some cars, such as various BMWs, the Dodge Viper, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, and Subaru BRZ require premium fuel only. These vehicles’ high compression engines will only work with high-octane level fuel. If your car requires premium gas, and you use unleaded or mid-grade your engine may make a knocking noise. This is the fuel pre-igniting in the combustion process due to a wrong type of fuel. If this noise persists, it could damage the vehicle engine’s efficiency. If you hear minor engine noises, it is usually fine. However, if the engine pinging gets worse, switch back to premium fuel like your car requires.
It’s important you use the type of fuel that is best for your car. Pay attention to the noises your engine makes and which fuel gives you the most miles per gallon. Unleaded fuel is the cheapest option and works for most vehicles, while premium fuel is required for a lot of high compression engines.

If your engine is making a weird noise or you are having other car troubles, call your local auto mechanic located in Cumming, GA, we work on engines and transmissions and perform other car automotive services too. Call 678.455.5246


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