Is 89 premium gas?

In most contexts, 89-octane gasoline is not considered premium; it is typically labeled mid-grade. Premium fuels are usually 91–93 octane in the United States, with higher numbers in other regions. Because labeling and availability vary by country and station, always check your vehicle’s manual or the pump label to be sure.

What 89 octane means and how it compares to other grades

Octane ratings indicate a fuel’s resistance to knocking in an engine. Different regions use different scales, so the same number can have different implications depending on where you are. Here are the general distinctions you’ll encounter in major markets.

How octane ratings are measured in practice

In the United States, octane is reported as AKI (Anti-Knock Index). In much of Europe and other regions, octane is reported as RON (Research Octane Number), with pricing and labeling following local standards. Because AKI and RON aren’t identical measures, a number labeled as “89” in the U.S. does not map exactly to a European rating, and “premium” labels vary by market.

Before listing the practical differences, note this quick regional snapshot:

• United States: Regular unleaded is typically 87 AKI, mid-grade is 89 AKI, and premium is commonly 91–93 AKI.


• Canada: Regular around 87, mid-grade around 89, premium around 91–94 (varies by province and station).


• Europe and the UK: Premium fuels usually start around 95–98 RON; 89 in this market would be considered a low grade and is not marketed as premium.


• Other regions: Labeling varies, but the general rule holds—premium means higher octane than regular; exact numbers depend on local standards.

In short, the designation of 89 as “premium” is not universal. It is commonly mid-grade in the U.S. and is usually not considered premium in Europe or many other markets. Always rely on local labeling and your vehicle’s manual for the right choice.

Does your car actually require premium?

Whether you should use 89 octane or a higher-octane fuel depends on your vehicle’s design and manufacturer recommendations. Using the wrong grade can affect performance and, in some cases, long-term engine health.

1. Check your owner's manual or the fuel door sticker to see the recommended octane rating. This is the authoritative guidance for your vehicle.


2. Identify whether the manual says premium is "required" or "recommended." If it says required, you should use the higher-octane fuel specified; if it says recommended, your car should run fine on the lower grade listed.


3. If your car is high-compression, turbocharged, or has performance-tuned timing, you may benefit from premium fuel or the octane level specified by the manufacturer.


4. If your engine knocks or pings on regular or mid-grade, try using the higher-octane option (as allowed by the manual) and see if the issue improves.


5. Remember: higher octane fuels do not inherently increase horsepower or fuel economy in engines that don’t require them; savings come from preventing knock and allowing optimal timing in engines that need it.

In practice, most drivers can safely rely on the octane recommended by the manufacturer. Using a higher-octane fuel than required generally yields little or no additional benefit, while using a lower grade than required can lead to knocking and potential engine damage on certain engines.

Practical considerations for drivers

Beyond exact octane numbers, other fuel considerations matter. Brand formulations, detergent additives, ethanol content, and regional supply can influence drivability and maintenance costs. If you’re unsure, start with the vehicle’s recommended grade and monitor for knocking, performance changes, or fuel economy shifts before deciding whether to experiment with a higher-octane option.

Summary

89-octane fuel is typically considered mid-grade—not premium—in the United States, where premium usually falls in the 91–93 AKI range. In Europe and many other markets, premium fuels start at higher octane levels (often 95–98 RON). Always follow your vehicle’s manual and pay attention to the fuel-label wording at the pump. If your engine requires premium, using lower-octane fuel can cause knocking and potential damage; if it only recommends it, you may not see extra benefits from using higher-octane fuel. Knowing the exact requirements for your car and the local labeling will help you choose the right fuel and avoid unnecessary costs.

Is 89 the same as premium gas?

Premium gas, or high-octane gas, has an octane rating of 91 to 94. Regular gas typically has an 87 rating, while the 88-90 range is considered midgrade.

Is it better to use 89 gas instead of 87?

No, 89 octane gas is not inherently better than 87; the correct choice depends on your vehicle's manufacturer recommendations. Use 87 octane unless your owner's manual specifies a higher grade, like 89, for performance reasons or higher engine compression. Using higher octane than required is a waste of money and provides no benefit. 
When to use 87 or 89

• For most cars: The standard and recommended fuel is 87 octane. Your car is designed to run smoothly on this grade, and using 89 won't improve performance or efficiency. 
• For specific cars: Some engines with higher compression ratios or turbochargers are designed to run on 89 or higher octane to prevent engine knocking. If your owner's manual recommends 89, it's because the engine is designed for that higher resistance to pre-ignition. 

What is octane?

• Knock resistance: Octane rating is a measure of a fuel's ability to resist knocking or "pinging," which is premature combustion inside the engine. 
• Higher octane: A higher number means the fuel can withstand more pressure before igniting. 
• No extra power: All grades of gasoline have roughly the same energy content (BTUs), so higher octane doesn't increase power. 

Key takeaway
Always follow your vehicle's owner's manual for the recommended octane level. Using a fuel with an octane rating that is too low for your engine can cause harm, but using a higher octane than needed will not provide any benefits and will cost more.

What happens if you put 89 gas in a 91?

Putting 89 octane gas in a 91-octane car will not cause mechanical damage, but it may result in reduced performance, fuel efficiency, and the potential for engine knocking or pinging. Modern cars with knock sensors will automatically adjust the engine's timing to compensate, but this can negatively impact how the car drives. 
Effects of using lower octane gas

• Engine knock/pinging: The engine may make a "knocking" or "pinging" sound, which happens when the fuel/air mixture ignites prematurely. 
• Reduced performance: You may experience sluggish acceleration and a less "peppy" driving feel. 
• Lower fuel efficiency: Your car may get fewer miles per gallon. 

What to do

• Don't panic: One instance of using lower octane fuel is unlikely to cause lasting damage. 
• Refill with the correct octane next time: For your next fill-up, be sure to use 91 octane or higher to return to the recommended performance level. 
• Listen for knocking: Pay attention to any new sounds coming from your engine. If you consistently hear knocking after refilling, it's a good idea to have your car checked by a mechanic. 

What happens if you put 89 gas instead of 93?

If you put lower octane gas in a car that requires premium, everything will still probably be fine, but you should be concerned about the “probably” part. In older cars, putting a lower octane gas in the tank might cause knocking and pinging and will result in reduced performance.