Premium fuel isn’t more packed with engine cleaners and rarely has an effect on performance. It’s just marketing. If you’re uncertain about what to use to fuel your engine, first check your owner’s manual. If premium is ever going to be helpful, it will say so. Don’t give the oil corporations more profit!

When automobile engines aren’t created for premium gas, they never benefit from the higher-octane fuel. It has to do with engine combustion. Premium fuel ignites at a higher temperature, so it can withstand high levels of compression before reigniting. Premium gas also has less heptanes, and that also prevents reignition. Even the government regulators agree – there’s no reason for it in the average tank.

In cases where the owner’s manual does call for premium fuel, you can still probably skip it. This is especially true for models built since 1996 because those engines are likely to have technology that adjusts timing properly. With higher-performance engines that are intended to use premium gasoline, the low-temperature can mean better performance. The expensive unleaded gasoline also prevents pinging or knocking noises. But the difference is usually slight, and the price difference is dramatic. If your engine knocks with normal use, it’s a different story. For these vehicles, do a little more research or ask our ACE-certified auto experts about using the right gasoline.

Is There a Diesel vs. Gasoline Rule?

Gasoline and diesel don’t play nicely together. You could stall the engine and need to be towed. Then, you’ll have to pay the high costs of flushing the system of gas. Diesel is a little grimier and much thicker than unleaded, and diesel vs. gas engines are different in important ways. These don’t have spark plugs. Instead, the fuel is ignited by the heat of compressed air, which is compressed before the fuel is injected right in the chamber. With regular gas, air and fuel are mixed first and then the spark plugs ignite the mixture.

Call Christian Brothers Anytime

If you have uncertainties about how to choose fuel or if you’re having any issues at all with your fuel system, give our trusted auto experts in Chandler, AZ a call. We can help with everything from looking at cars you’re considering for purchase to tune-ups and repairs.