Most people who look for cheap gas prices when buying don’t go for premium fuel. This is because gas station prices for higher octane fuel are more expensive. However, some may assume that using premium gas in a car that doesn’t require it may provide better fuel economy and improved performance. Others might wonder if this practice might cause damage. 

Premium gas vs regular

Unless a vehicle requires premium gas, most people look for cheap gas prices. This is because gas station prices can be daunting for many people. Regarding how premium differs from regular, premium fuel has a higher octane. According to Progressive, it’s usually between 91 and 94, while regular gas often has an octane of 87. 

The higher octane in premium gas makes it more stable and helps prevent things like engine knocking. It also determines the amount of compression the fuel can take before it self-ignites. Some cars require premium gas because of the types of engines they have. Often, vehicles with high compression ratios will need premium gas. The same is true for turbo or supercharged vehicles. 

It’s also important to note that most luxury cars require premium gas. Cheap gas station prices may make some people who need premium want to use regular gas. However, it will impact the vehicle’s performance and could cause other issues. 

Some people want to use premium despite cheap gas prices

As mentioned, cheap gas prices make regular fuel appealing to many people. However, some drivers with cars that use regular gas consider using premium. This is because it’s easy to assume it will make their vehicles more efficient. However, this is not the case, as going for the option with the more expensive gas station prices won’t impact economy or performance. 

So, will using premium gas in a car that doesn’t require it cause damage? No, it won’t negatively impact your vehicle’s reliability. However, it does negatively impact your bank account, as premium is much more costly than regular. On average, premium gas is about 20 to 25% more expensive than regular fuel.

This is especially the case as gas station prices are constantly changing. Drivers who use premium fuel when they need regular could actually see a decrease in performance and economy. This is because some engines aren’t designed for higher octane fuel. However, many modern vehicles have technology that adjusts the timing for higher octane gas.