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Autos Q & A: Premium Gas

  • Do I really need premium gas?
  • The price of gas appears to be set on a course for the stratosphere, and it is highly unlikely any driver will again ever be able to afford a gallon of gas for the same price as a hamburger combo at a fast food restaurant. With no relief in sight to the amount that must be paid for a gallon, it has become a necessity to find ways to make that gallon stretch a few miles more. One of the most confusing options available is paying a little more for premium gas in the hope that it will provide premium mileage. Is this a good idea?

    Sadly, the answer in most cases is an absolute no because only a select few vehicles are manufactured that are capable of actually using the advantages offered by the specific chemical makeup of higher-octane premium gas. If you are not driving one of these cars, then not only will you get lower gas mileage, but you will actually be paying even more for the mileage you do get.

    Unless you are driving a vehicle manufactured prior to 1985, chances are your car doesn't need any octane higher than 87. The reason why premium gas isn't necessary for most cars today has to do with having low compression ratios that work ideally with non-premium grades of gasoline.
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