Premium gasoline isn’t more packed with engine cleaners and rarely impacts performance. It’s a false idea spread by the oil industry. If you’re unsure about what to use to fuel your engine, first check the owner’s manual. If premium fuel isn’t a listed requirement, you will never need it. Don’t waste your cash.

When auto engines aren’t created for premium fuel, they will not ever need the higher-octane fuel. It has to do with engine combustion. Premium gas ignites at a higher temperature, so it can withstand more compression before reigniting. Premium gas also has lower levels of heptanes, which also prevents reignition. Even the U.S. government agrees – there’s no advantage for it in the average tank.

If your owner’s manual does ask for premium gasoline, chances are you don’t always want it. If your car isn’t more than 10 years old, that’s especially true because those engines are likely to have technology that adjusts timing properly. With premium-designed engines that are designed for premium gasoline, the lower ignition rate can mean better performance. The premium unleaded gasoline also prevents knocking or pinging noise. However, if you aren’t racing or hauling heavy loads, the difference in power is minimal but the price is much higher. If your engine preignites fuel with normal driving, it’s a different story. For these vehicles, experiment or talk to one of our ACE-certified auto experts about using the right gasoline.

Do I Always Need Diesel vs Gas?

Gasoline and diesel don’t play well together. You could stall the engine and need to be towed. You will have to deal with the costs for a system flush. Diesel is thicker and oilier than gasoline, and diesel vs. gas engines are different in many ways. Cars designed for diesel don’t use spark plugs. Instead, the fuel is injected directly and ignited by heat. With gas engines, air and fuel are mixed first and then the spark plugs ignite the mixture.

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If you have concerns about how to choose fuel or if you’re having any problems with your fuel system, give our trusted technicians in Castle Rock, CO a call. We advice, maintenance, repairs and more.