Saving money by using Regular Gas
The owners manual for my car* recommends Premium Gasoline at an Octane Rating of 91 or Higher.
With gas prices on the rise, about a year ago I hit the Web to determine if I really needed high octane. I found several articles supporting the fact that high octane was probably not necessary (AAA estimates that only about five percent of the vehicles on the road actually need premium gasoline).
Ive been using regular gas for about a year now, and dont notice any difference. Heres a link to an article published on Valvolines site that supports my decision to boycott premium.
* 2001 Lexus ES 300, which is basically a 6-cylinder Toyota Camry with a few upgrades
about - portfolio - feedback - disclaimer
• VirtualBank gives you up to 5.13% APY for your savings!
• Blue Cash from American Express: 5% Back on Gas, Up to 5% cash back on eligible purchases, No Annual Fee, 0% Introductory APR for 6 months, Pay over time
• Try Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express. Great rewards and first year fee free!
• Bad Credit Home Loans
• Life Insurance in 10 minutes if qualified. No medical exam.
And your car happens to be one of those 5%. You say the Valvoline article supports your decision, but it actually contradicts it:
"The best way to tell if your car is one of them is to begin with the owner's manual. Some newer cars' manuals might say to use mid-grade at minimum but that high-octane is recommended. When this is the case, the pricier gas can actually be cheaper in the long run: better engine performance means less right-foot pressure on the accelerator."
In response to the comment above, the article also states... "One final gas-grade litmus test: Mash that go-pedal occasionally. If the engine knocks or pings, bump up a level at the gas pump." My car passes this test with no problem.
My understanding is that the only consequence of burning too low octane is ping (preignition). If that does not occur, now harm will take place.
Ping is audible. So why not try it. One caution, I would think, is if you pull a trailer or heavy load ping may be more likely. If it happens drop in some premium on that trip.
I drive a Nissan which recommends premium, but I use regular 87 octane. I hear no pinging.
Most newer cars today have computer controlled systems that takes into account the performance of the engine. Meaning, the higher octane really isn't needed in todays car. Remember it states that is only RECOMMENDS, not REQUIRES high octane fuel.
Almost all new premium brand cars have what is called knock control. Knock control is monitored by the computer and adjusts the engine to run on whatever octane is currently detected. However, if your car recommends premium and you use regular, it usually means that you are not getting the most efficient usage of your engine either.
