People in Colorado Springs, Colorado, often ask if premium gas is better for their car. Let’s begin with a quick education on what premium gasoline actually is.
With different grades of gas there are different octane ratings. While premium gas has the highest octane, regular gas has the lowest octane rating. Most gas stations in Colorado Springs carry a mid-grade fuel also that falls in the middle. Due to altitude differences in various regions, octane ranges are different in various locations.
There are different octane ratings because there are different types of engines. As an example, turbocharged engines often require the premium gas.
If you look at your gas tank filler lid, you will see a sticker that directs you on the minimum octane rating your vehicle manufacturer recommends. We’d be happy to help you identify the type of gas your engine needs if you come by our service center.
If you want to tackle it on your own, read the owner’s manual to see if it’s okay to use lower grades. With some cars it is acceptable to use a lower grade and the engine control computer can simply adapt. You will lose some performance by doing so, but it won’t do any damage. That said, with other engines if you use a lower grade fuel it can result in serious damage; so it’s not worth saving a few dollars on gas only to pay hundreds for a repair.
It is always best to use the grade of gas that is recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.
Today’s vehicles that are computer controlled are optimized to run best on the recommended grade of gasoline. Please note that using a higher grade of fuel than what is recommended will not benefit you at all. You will not get additional performance or increased fuel economy so don’t waste your money.
There are regulations in place that require detergents for all grades of gas to ensure that your engine has the same protection, despite the grade of gasoline you use. If you do hear pinging or knocking from your engine, do take it seriously and get your vehicle SUV into Advanced for a free inspection. It might be a sign that you just need a tune-up but better to be safe than sorry.
Although gas prices remain high, be sure to select the right fuel for your car. Note that it will help to keep your tires inflated properly and your car or SUV well maintained so that you will get the best fuel economy possible.
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