Premium vs. Regular Gas: What’s the Difference?

If you are headed out on your next adventure beyond or , you may be curious what the difference between regular and premium gas is. You may be asking yourself if premium gas is worth it, or if your vehicle can even drive with a certain type of gas. What cars require premium gas? Well, Kempthorn Motors covers the details to help you fuel up your vehicle and keep it running as best as possible.

The Difference Between Regular and Premium Gas

Basically speaking, all gas is quite similar because it is made from refined crude oil. Pretty much all internal combustion engines, unless you drive a hybrid or electric vehicle, are designed to run on gasoline. The type of gasoline can vary a bit between cars available to the general public, although there are exceptions such as diesel, biodiesel, and ethanol alternatives.

The main difference in gasoline is measured by an octane rating, and you’ve probably seen these numbers at the pump. This is a standard measurement of fuel performance, rating the compression that fuel can take before it ignites. Higher octane fuels have a higher compression rate and deliver higher performance as a result. For those drivers with a high-performance engine, high octane fuel with a rating of around 91-94 is often required, while lower octane fuel, usually rated around 87, is better for the environment.

What Cars Require Premium Gas?

What cars require premium gas? While it’s always better to use quality gasoline that helps prevent wear and tear on the engine, your owner’s manual can inform you of the best octane grade for your specific vehicle. High-performance, high-compression engines usually require premium gas – think luxury automotive brands, like Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz.

So, can you use a lower octane gasoline on your vehicle? What will happen? Well, your vehicle can actually suffer both in the short-term and long-term. If you hear the sound of your engine knocking and pinging when you accelerate, the wrong fuel may be igniting too soon in your engine. In this case, you should schedule a service appointment with our local Canton certified service technicians if you think your engine may have suffered from the wrong octane fuel.

Get Your Engine at Peak Performance with Kempthorn Motors!

At Kempthorn Motors, we specialize in high-performance vehicles, and that means we aim to keep your vehicle running smoothly. You can rely on our certified technicians to ensure your vehicle is operating at the highest level on roads. Whether you want to know what premium vs. regular gas means for your vehicle or you are interested in exploring more service tips, contact us today if you have any questions.