Premium Vs Regular Gas

[Ditchooker]

regular is roughly $5.20 a gallon at the moment on the cheap side. But to me its cheap peace of mind knowing that i can hold a speed on the big climbs and not push it really hard, vs the regular I have to run it pretty hard get the same results.

Well, and living close to the border helps lol, i usually slip down and fill my tank up for the $3.85 a gallon.

[CamperFan]

Unless your vehicle's timing is advanced from the factory or by using a tuner, you won't really see any benefit from using premium fuel over regular. However, I always use premium in my old Mariner 200HP outboard on my bass boat because it sets for extended periods without being used. One thing about premium fuel is that when it evaporates, it doesn't leave that sticky residue that regular fuel does. Since I've been using premium in my outboard, I haven't had to clean the carbs again.

[Dave_Monica]

Originally Posted by CamperFan

Unless your vehicle's timing is advanced from the factory or by using a tuner, you won't really see any benefit from using premium fuel over regular. However, I always use premium in my old Mariner 200HP outboard on my bass boat because it sets for extended periods without being used.

Good point. The engine control computer usually has a knock detector that senses pre-detonation and reduces the spark timing to eliminate. This allows you to run lower octane than recommended, but will reduce the engine's performance. Unless you have a tuner which would increase the spark advance, the factory computer does not adapt for fuel higher in octane than recommended.

Dave

[acadianbob]

Originally Posted by Auto4

I just finished a trip to Maine. I wanted to see if the price of premium gas was worth the added cost. On my trip there I filled the tank and got 9.5 mpg on the trip up. On my return trip I filled up with regular and Got 8.7 mpg. These numbers were based on the trucks computer.

You got 9% better gas mileage. Premium didn't cost you 9% more. So it IS worth it if these numbers are consistently what you get.

Some cars/trucks DO get better mileage on premium; especially turbo'd engines. Our Audi gets enough better to pay for the premium and it performs better. Our VW 1.8 Turbo gets 10% better on premium than regular and performs WAY better. I also run premium in our F150 Ecoboost (twin turbos) and my experience is that it pays for itself also. BUT, MOST vehicles will not give you a return on premium unless they are specifically designed for it.

So, bottom line is, you can't make blanket statements about this issue. It depends on the vehicle.

[Ditchooker]

i think most newer vehicles with variable valve timing, Direct injection or boost will pick up on the better octane/reduced E content to take advantage of it. Unless you are a lucky Ecoboost owner with all of the above lol!

[Herk7769]

I was always told to use the lowest octane fuel that performs well in your car.

My wife likes to "treat her car" to a tank of premium for the holidays.


Whatcha gonna do?