Turbocharged Engines & Premium Fuel

Many of today’s automotive engines are complex and incorporate sophisticated technologies such as direct injection and turbochargers to squeeze more power and better fuel efficiency out of a smaller engine. Your engine may need premium fuel in order to run efficiently, but in some cases premium fuel may be a manufacturer’s requirement.

Octane Choices

Generally, two grades of unleaded fuel are sold across the US: regular and unleaded. Regular produces 87 octane while premium typically delivers 91 octane. Some gas stations sell a mid-grade blend returning 89 octane while a few stations sell a super premium octane blend of 93 or higher.

Cost Differential

Premium gas also carries with it a premium price, usually twenty to twenty-five cents higher than regular grade gas. Letting cost alone determine the best grade of gas for your car is a mistake.

Fuel Performance

The higher the octane, the more efficient some engines run. Most late model cars can run on regular fuel just fine, but a loss of performance versus premium fuel can sometimes occur. You’ll notice a difference when going from zero to sixty as your time will be off by at least a half second when using a lower grade.

Engine Knock

Late model cars come equipped with knock sensors to eliminate engine knock. If your engine knocks, a higher grade of gas may be needed otherwise damage could set in. Pinging and knocking should always be taken seriously.

Manufacturer Guidance

Regardless of what anyone says, follow your manufacturer’s requirements when it comes to fueling your car. If your owner’s manual says that premium fuel is required, then only use that fuel. If it says that it is recommended, then you can use a lower grade.

The difference here is between required and recommended—read your owner’s manual carefully because you don’t want to do something wrong thereby messing up your warranty!

Reference

Edmunds.com:  Do You Really Need Premium?