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

If you’ve recently bought or leased a new vehicle in the Stephenville area, you might be wondering what kind of gasoline you should use so everything runs in top condition. Your vehicle might run on regular unleaded gasoline, or it might require higher-performing premium gas. There are some important differences between these two types of gasoline, so the service team at Bayer Auto Group has put together all the details for you. 

So, if you find yourself asking, “What gas does my car need?”, read on! We’ve got everything you need to know in the guide below.

What is Premium Gasoline? 

Premium and regular gasoline are both produced from crude oil, and they’re both combustible. The major difference between these types of gasoline comes in their octane level–premium gas a much higher octane level than regular, usually 90 or above. Due to its higher quality, premium gasoline cuts down on pollution by keeping your engine cleaner. However, as expected, it’s also more expensive and is not necessary for most car or truck engines.

What is Regular Unleaded Gasoline? 

Most vehicle engines on the Brownwood roads run on regular unleaded gasoline. This type of gas has a lower octane level, typically 87. Regular gas is also better for your health, since it doesn’t contain harmful lead, and is more affordable than premium gas. 

The Difference Between Premium and Regular Gas

There are three primary areas that set apart premium vs. regular gas:

• Octane Rating: As stated above, regular gasoline has an octane level of 87, while premium gasoline has an octane level of 90 or above. A higher octane level reduces the chance of engine knocking, which is caused by fuel burning unevenly and can lead to vehicle damage.
• Engine Suitability: Engines with low compression ratios run better on regular unleaded gas, since it burns faster. Conversely, slower-burning premium gas is better suited for engines with high compression ratios.
• Price: As befitting its name, premium gas usually runs as much as 20 to 40 cents more per gallon than its regular counterpart.

If you’re asking yourself, “What gas does my truck need?”, consider the cost and compression ratio of your engine, and keep the following in mind:

• Using premium gas when it’s not required by the vehicle won’t boost the performance or longevity.
• On the other hand, if your car or truck does require premium gasoline, using regular unleaded gas won’t cause any damage. However, you might start to hear engine knocking due to the uneven burning, in which case you’ll want to switch to premium.
• If your car or truck utilizes turbochargers, it might be best to use premium gasoline.

Contact the Bayer Auto Group Service Center Today

If you want to learn more about the services that we offer at Bayer Auto Group, feel free to contact our office or stop by our service center near Abilene! You can also reach out with any questions about the different types of gasoline, and a service expert will be happy to help. And if you’re interested in saving on your next service appointment, we offer service specials updated all the time.