Premium gasoline isn’t more packed with engine cleaners and almost never has an effect on performance. It’s a false idea furthered by the oil industry. Read the owner’s manual. If premium fuel isn’t listed specifically, you don’t need it. If the requirement isn’t there, avoid premium and save money.

When engines aren’t created for premium fuel, they will not ever have a use for the higher-octane fuel. It has to do with engine combustion. Premium gasoline ignites at a higher temperature, so it can withstand higher compression before reigniting. Pricier fuel also has less heptanes, and that also helps with preventing the reignition at low temps. Even the FTC agrees – there’s no advantage for it in the average tank.

In cases where the owner’s manual does call for premium fuel, chances are you don’t always have to use it. Especially if you drive a 1996 or later because of technology that adjusts timing based on ignition rates. With premium-designed engines that are designed for premium gasoline, the high-compression fuel can mean better performance. The premium fuel also prevents pinging or knocking sounds. However, if you aren’t racing or hauling heavy loads, the difference in performance is minor but the difference in cost is stark. If your engine preignites fuel with normal use, it’s a different story. For these vehicles, experiment or speak with our ACE-certified mechanics about using the right gasoline.

Do I Always Need Gas Instead of Diesel?

Gasoline and diesel don’t play well together. You could stall the engine and need to be towed. You will have to pay for a system flush. Diesel is thick and oily compared to gas, and diesel vs. gas engines are different in important ways. First, diesel engines don’t use spark plugs. Instead, the fuel is injected directly and ignited by heat. With gasoline, fuel and air are combined first and then the spark plugs cause ignition.

Contact Christian Brothers in Acworth, GA Anytime

If you have uncertainties about how to fuel your engine or if you’re having any issues at all with your fuel system, give our trusted auto experts in Acworth, GA a ring. We can help with everything from looking at automobiles you’re considering for purchase to maintenance-related spark plug tune-ups or even repairs and diagnostics.