As a car owner, you should be aware of what type of gas your car needs, but maybe you never bothered to know the difference between regular and premium gas.
Here in this article, we have listed some features that create a difference between regular and premium gas.
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Why Do People Prefer Regular Gas Over Premium?
The most accurate answer is the price difference that determines whether to go for premium or not. The US Energy and Information Administration reports that every year, premium gas inflates 60 cents per gallon higher than regular gas and 25 cents higher than midgrade gas.
What Is An Octane Level, and Does It Makes Any Difference?
The ability of the fuel to be ignitied is controlled by the Octane level. It is the level that determines how much compression fuel can tolerate before igniting. There are typically three types of octane grades regular, midgrade, and premium. The state will be the deciding authority as to which octane will be ranked on which grade. A regular gas resides on 87 octane grade, midgrade on 89 octanes, while premium gas is over 91.
How to Switch From Premium to Regular Gas?
Every car is designed to perform at peak with a specific fuel type. As the high octane gas has a higher tolerance level for ignition, that is why high-performance vehicles usually demand high octane fuel. If your car uses high octane gas, it tends to perform efficiently with minimum emissions.
It is advised to use the right octane grade to keep your car’s engine efficient and prevent damage. If you try to use low-grade fuel for your car, the engine will tend to combust the gas promptly, thus causing knocking noises from the engine. It will not only damage your car engine but also reduce the fuel economy.
Similarly, when you use a high octane fuel for a car that can run on midgrade, there isn’t much of a difference made in the engine’s performance or overall health. If the car engine uses a higher compression ratio, then you require a high octane fuel. To know what type of fuel is best for your car, read the owner’s manual or look at the fuel door for guidance.
Is It Possible To Mix Regular And Premium Gas?
Mixing the regular and premium gas does not improve the performance of your car. So, it is prudent to use the fuel recommended by the manufacturer for efficient performance.
Does Premium Gas Go Longer Than Regular Gas?
If the owner’s manual advises using “premium” or “premium recommended,” you have to try different premium levels to choose the best. You need to fill the quarter tank with the premium gas for the trial purpose and then note down the mileage. Try different octane grades and keep a close eye on your car’s performance.
Using suitable gas for your car is the key to more efficient and improved performance. Also, if you want to improve the vehicle’s overall performance, you can opt for the following tips.
- Never floor your car while moving from a stop or red light.
- Keep your speed consistent if you are driving distances.