It might be a question you have every time you pull up to the gas pump: what’s the best type of fuel for my car? Does the octane matter? Can one give you better mileage than another?

Understanding Octane

Regular fuel is 87 octane; premium fuel is 91 or 93. Mid-grade octane falls in the middle, typically 89. To understand why octane matters, it’s important to understand pre-ignition. Engines work by compressing a mixture of air and fuel, which is then ignited by a spark. However, the fuel/air mixture can ignite early under some conditions in what’s known as pre-ignition. Most modern vehicles have knock sensors, so pre-ignition happens less frequently. Octane measures a gasoline’s resistance to pre-ignition; higher octane gas is less likely to pre-ignite.

Which Octane Should I Use?

When it comes to gas, it’s not about which grade is best but which octane your car needs. The best way to find this out is to look in your owner’s manual or ask your service advisor. In addition, cars will usually have a message that indicates they need premium fuel on or near the gas cap, and in some models, on the fuel gauge itself. Higher-end models and turbocharged engines often require premium gas because they’re designed to burn fuel at optimum levels—and that also equates to optimum performance.

If you use a lower octane fuel on a car that requires premium gas, you’ll likely notice knocking and pre-ignition events, especially if it’s older; it could also lead to engine damage or voiding your warranty. In modern cars, the knock sensor will prevent pre-ignition, but this can reduce your engine’s power and fuel economy—so you likely wouldn’t save money by using more expensive gas.

Some cars might say “premium fuel recommended,” but this doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to use premium gas—but you may see benefits from using it. If your car doesn’t have a premium recommendation, you can use whichever octane you like. In general, though, if you want the best fuel mileage for your vehicle, it’s recommended to use a higher quality gasoline from a nationally branded gas station.

Help Your Vehicle Perform its Best

The bottom line is that it’s vital to use the type of gasoline that’s recommended for your vehicle. Although going up in octane won’t hurt anything, going down in octane when your car requires premium can cause issues, and in many cases, impact your fuel economy. High-quality gasoline, like Chevron, also tends to contain more beneficial additives that can benefit your car.

If you’re wondering which type of gas to use in your car, how to improve your gas mileage or have any other questions, we’re always here to help! Contact Accurate Automotive Attention at (928) 783-8808 for our Central Yuma location or (928) 342-1912 for the Foothills location on South Frontage Road.

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