It’s probably a question every driver has asked themselves at some point, but what’s the real answer? Is premium truly the ‘golden child’ of the fuel industry or could regular gas be just as ideal for your vehicle?
Below, we set out to answer this vehicular mystery once and for all by looking at the pros and cons of both fuel options and then determining exactly how each fuel form affects your car in the long term.
The Pros and Cons of Premium Gas
Premium gas may have an enticing title, but what makes this gas so special? Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of this gasoline and see what separates it from the run-of-the-mill, 87 fuel.
- Pro: Premium gas will extend the life of your engine.
The main difference between premium and standard gas is the octane level. Premium gas has a higher octane level, making it much smoother for your engine. By ensuring that the engine combustion occurs at the right times, premium gas limits the amount of damage improper engine combustion may cause.
- Pro: If the vehicle asks for premium, standard gas could damage it.
One of the best things to do to tell if your car requires a particular type of gas is to review the owner’s manual. The car’s manufacturer should inform you of the level of gas the car requires, and a premium gas vehicle could become damaged over time by the use of standard gas in its tank.
- Con: Premium gas can be much more expensive.
Because of premium gas benefits, this fuel is typically far more expensive than standard gas which, for the average American, can be a pain-point. After all, with gas prices rising every day, standard gas is already expensive, and premium could quickly become unattainable at this rate.
- Con: It isn’t always a necessity.
As stated above, your owner manual should tell you what type of gas is best for your vehicle. A vehicle that does not need premium gas would still be benefited by the use of premium gasoline but, with the price, premium gas really isn’t ideal. This makes premium gas a bit less valuable than standard as standard can be used in any car with only wear and tear being an issue after time.
The Pros and Cons of Regular Gas
Now that we’ve investigated the value of premium gas, let’s see how standard holds up and whether or not it is a better option overall.
- Pro: It’s always cheaper than premium gas.
One thing that sets standard gas apart from premium is its price. Premium gas nowadays sits normally at around four dollars per gallon which is almost double that of standard gas. Ultimately, this means that you will get less mileage for the same price, a problem for those looking for quantity over quality.
- Pro: It can be used in cars that recommend premium.
This is one of those pros that must be considered carefully as, although this cheaper fuel choice can be used in premium-specific vehicles, it isn’t advised. What is said in your owner’s manual is put there by researchers and professionals and is, therefore, the best choice for your car. However, the fact that it can be used in budget-conscious times makes it a point for the pro list.
- Con: Engine Combustion is more likely to occur at the wrong time.
The octane level of the gasoline you use is what determines the smoothness and combustion ability of the fuel. A lower octane level like that found in standard gas can lead to engine combustion occurring at the wrong time, and this can become a serious issue in the future.
- Con: Wrongly timed combustions could lead to engine damage.
When you let the vehicle’s engine combust at the wrong time, you are sure to face knocks and pings in the engine. These may seem like minor things at the time but, after a while, these knocks could lead to engine damage and limit the lifespan of your engine.
For those that are looking to extend the life of their engine and save money in the future on repair costs, premium is ideal but people looking to save money on gas prices should stick with standard gas.
So, Which one is Better for Your Car?
By now, you may be wondering what fuel is better for your vehicle specifically and, although, it would be easy to tell you premium or standard and move on, the truth is that it all depends on the make and model of your car and what your owner’s manual recommends.
The manufacturer of your car has done the tests and taken the time to know the answer to your question. This answer can be found in your manual with little effort on your part. Although you can opt to put premium or standard in a car that asks for the opposite, the best decision is to stick with what your manual recommends, and rest assured knowing that this fuel was tested and proven to be the best.
However, no matter what fuel you choose, if you find your car in need of some attention, don’t hesitate to give us a call at Meridian Automotive and let yet another team of professionals give you the answers you’re looking for.
