Should I use regular or premium gas?
For most vehicles, regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) is sufficient. Use premium only if your manufacturer requires it or if you drive a high-performance or turbocharged engine that benefits from higher octane. This article explains how octane works, when premium is worth it, and how to make an informed choice today.
Understanding octane and engine needs
Octane measures a fuel’s resistance to knocking (pre-ignition) in an engine. Engines with higher compression or forced induction (like turbochargers) are more sensitive to knock and often require higher-octane fuel. Modern engines can adapt timing to run on lower-octane fuels, but this can limit performance in some conditions. Always check your owner’s manual and the fuel label on the door for the recommended octane range.
Use the following guidelines to decide which grade to use in daily driving.
- Check the owner’s manual or the fuel-filler-door label to confirm the required octane for your vehicle.
- If the manual specifies Regular unleaded (87 octane) as the required fuel, use regular gasoline; premium is unlikely to deliver a guaranteed performance or fuel-economy benefit.
- If the manual says Premium unleaded (91–93 octane) is required, you must use premium to avoid engine damage or warranty issues.
- If the manual says Premium is Recommended, you can use either grade; premium may offer a modest performance or knock-resistance benefit in hot weather or under heavy load, but savings at the pump are unlikely to cover the higher price.
- High-performance, turbocharged, or very high-compression engines are more likely to require premium; using regular can trigger knocking or reduce performance.
In practice, following the manufacturer’s guidance is the most reliable approach. For most daily drivers, regular gasoline is a cost-effective choice, and premium offers little to no noticeable advantage unless the vehicle explicitly requires it.
When premium might be worth it
There are specific circumstances where premium can be worthwhile, depending on your car and driving conditions.
- Your engine is high-compression or turbocharged and explicitly lists Premium Required in the manual; these engines are designed to achieve their best performance with higher octane.
- You hear knocking or pinging under load or in hot weather when using regular fuel; switching to premium can prevent detonation and restore optimal timing and power (do not ignore persistent knocking).
- You regularly tow a heavy load, drive in consistently hot climates, or operate the vehicle under sustained high-load conditions where the engine experiences higher temperatures.
- Your vehicle explicitly notes Premium for maximum performance or warranty considerations, even if regular can run without immediate issues.
Even in these scenarios, the performance gains and economy are not guaranteed and depend on the vehicle and conditions. Weigh the extra cost against the potential benefits for your driving style and needs.
Gas quality, ethanol, and maintenance tips
Beyond octane, fuel quality and composition can affect engine cleanliness and efficiency. Understanding these factors helps you maintain performance over time.
- Look for Top Tier Detergent Gasoline, which includes added detergents designed to keep fuel injectors and intake valves cleaner and reduce deposits.
- Most gasoline in the United States is blended with up to 10% ethanol (E10). Some stations offer higher-ethanol blends (like E15 or E85 for flex-fuel vehicles). Always confirm ethanol content and ensure compatibility with your vehicle from the owner’s manual or the fuel door label.
- Maintain your fuel system and engine health with regular maintenance and, if recommended by the manufacturer, occasional fuel-system cleaners or oil changes that align with your driving patterns.
Bottom line: octane determines knock resistance and potential timing adjustments, not a universal performance boost. Use the grade your car requires and consider premium only when the manufacturer recommends or requires it, or when your driving conditions warrant it.
Summary
For most drivers, regular 87-octane gasoline is the sensible default choice. Premium gasoline is important primarily when your vehicle requires it or when you drive a high-performance, turbocharged, or high-compression engine under demanding conditions. Always follow your owner’s manual and the fuel-door label, and consider fuel quality and detergents as part of regular maintenance. Making the right choice means balancing engine specifications, driving needs, and cost, not chasing a universal fuel-grade upgrade.
Is premium gas actually worth it?
Premium gas is worth it if your car's owner's manual requires it, as using lower octane fuel could lead to engine damage or reduced performance over time. For cars that recommend premium, it's worth experimenting to see if the performance or efficiency benefits are noticeable, as some drivers may see a slight improvement while others will not. However, if your car is designed for regular gas, you are likely wasting money by using premium, as it provides no benefits to an engine that isn't built to take advantage of its higher octane rating.
When to use premium gas
- Your car requires it: If your owner's manual states premium is required, you should use it without question to prevent potential engine damage like engine knocking.
- Your car is a high-performance, luxury, or turbocharged vehicle: These engines often have higher compression ratios, which is why they require premium gas to prevent premature combustion (knocking).
- Your car recommends it: If your owner's manual recommends premium, it's designed to perform at its best with it, but can run on regular. You may want to test it yourself to see if you notice a performance difference.
When premium gas is not worth it
- Your car is designed for regular gas: If your vehicle doesn't require or recommend premium, using it is a waste of money and will not provide any performance or efficiency benefits.
- You don't notice a difference: If your car recommends premium but you don't see any significant improvement in performance or gas mileage after trying it, regular gas is a fine option.
How to know for sure
- Check your owner's manual: This is the most reliable source of information for your specific vehicle.
- Look at the fuel door: Many vehicles have a sticker on the inside of the fuel door that indicates the required or recommended octane level.
- Try both: If your manual recommends premium but not requires it, you can do a personal test. Fill up with premium and track your mileage and performance, then repeat the test with regular to see if there's a significant difference.
Why may you not need to use premium gas?
Premium fuel is usually recommended for older vehicles to prevent the damage caused by abnormal combustion, or “engine knock.” However, the computerized ignition systems in today's engines can usually compensate for this, and especially with the additional alkylates of summer fuel.
Should I put regular or premium gas?
Regular is fine and will cause no issues, premium is recommend for optimal performance.
Does putting 93 premium in 87 gas improve?
Nothing happens when you mix 93 (premium) and 87 (regular) octane gases. The resulting formula is referred to as “midgrade” gas and is often offered in gas stations.
