What is the difference between 87 89 and 91 gas?
As a car owner, you may have noticed different octane ratings at the gas station, specifically 87, 89, and 91. Understanding these ratings is crucial for maintaining your vehicle's performance and efficiency. In this article, we will explore what these numbers mean, how they affect your car, and which type of gasoline is best suited for your vehicle.
What is Octane Rating?
The octane rating of gasoline measures its ability to resist knocking or pinging during combustion. Knocking occurs when fuel combusts prematurely in the engine, which can lead to reduced performance and potential engine damage. Higher octane fuels can withstand greater pressure before igniting, making them suitable for high-performance engines.
Differences Between 87, 89, and 91 Octane Gasoline
Here’s a breakdown of the three common octane ratings:
- 87 Octane: This is the standard fuel for most vehicles. It is suitable for regular engines and provides adequate performance without causing knocking.
- 89 Octane: Often referred to as mid-grade fuel, 89 octane is a blend of regular and premium fuels. It can be beneficial for vehicles that recommend or require a higher octane to prevent knocking.
- 91 Octane: This is premium fuel, designed for high-performance and luxury vehicles. It offers better resistance to knocking and is often recommended for engines with higher compression ratios.
Choosing the right octane fuel is essential for optimal engine performance. Using a lower octane than recommended can lead to engine knocking, while using a higher octane than necessary typically does not provide any additional benefits for standard engines.
When to Use Each Type of Gasoline
Here are some tips on when to use each type of gasoline:
- Use 87 Octane: If your vehicle's owner manual specifies 87 octane, this is the best choice for fuel efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Use 89 Octane: If your car experiences knocking with 87 octane or if you drive in conditions that require more power, such as towing or driving uphill, consider using 89 octane.
- Use 91 Octane: If your vehicle is a high-performance model or if the manufacturer recommends premium fuel, using 91 octane is essential for maintaining performance and preventing engine damage.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently, while also protecting your engine from potential damage.
Conclusion
In summary, the differences between 87, 89, and 91 octane gasoline primarily revolve around their ability to resist knocking and their suitability for different types of engines. Always refer to your vehicle's owner manual for the manufacturer's recommendations to make the best choice for your car's fuel needs. By understanding these differences, you can enhance your vehicle's performance and longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 87-89 and 91?
Premium gas is also often called high-octane gas thanks to its octane rating of 91 to 94. Regular gas typically has an 87 rating, while the 88-90 range is considered midgrade. Premium gas drives performance in specific engines, but the idea that it's more fuel efficient is a myth.
What happens if I accidentally put 89 instead of 91?
If you put lower-octane fuel into your high-octane vehicle, whether by mistake or to save money on gas, you'll probably notice the effects right away: things like poor fuel economy, reduced acceleration, and spark knock, which sounds like a high-pitched pinging or rattling noise.
What happens if you mix 87 and 91 gas?
Yes, drivers can mix the two types of fuel. The combined gas types will result in an octane level somewhere in the middle — something the vehicle “will survive,” according to The Drive.
Does 89 gas make your car run better?
Some vehicles run better at higher octane levels, and they will ``recommend'' a certain level to fuel it with. However, for a vehicle that normal runs (and runs normally) on 87-89, putting 93 in will not increase power, fuel efficiency, or anything else for that matter. Just your credit card bill.
Which gas gives the best mileage?
The Federal Trade Commission recommends using regular gasoline for most standard cars and notes that: "In most cases, using a higher octane gasoline than your owner's manual recommends offers absolutely no benefit. It won't make your car perform better, go faster, get better mileage, or run cleaner."
Does 91 gas last longer than 87?
Premium gas does not last longer than regular gasoline in a fuel tank. A car owner might only consider the longevity of a car's gas if the vehicle has been sitting unused for an extended period.
Who has the best quality gas?
The 55 Top Tier fuel brands in the U.S.
- Aloha.
- ARCO.
- Beacon.
- Belmont Car Wash.
- CITGO.
- Cenex.
- Chevron.
Is it bad to switch between 87 and 91?
Engine computers can usually adjust their timing to account for the increased octane levels, so if you put premium gas in a regular car, you probably won't notice anything. However, some engines are not designed to burn higher-octane fuel, and you may see a reduction in performance and fuel economy.
Is there really a difference between 89 and 91?
Raising the octane rating (also known as the anti-knock index) doesn't change the energy content of a gallon of gasoline. A higher octane rating indicates greater resistance to knock, the early combustion of the fuel-air mixture that causes cylinder pressure to spike.
Does premium gas get better mileage?
The Federal Trade Commission recommends using regular gasoline for most standard cars and notes that: "In most cases, using a higher octane gasoline than your owner's manual recommends offers absolutely no benefit. It won't make your car perform better, go faster, get better mileage, or run cleaner."
