Octane Ratings

Q: What is the difference between regular and premium gasoline and is it worth spending the extra money for premium?

A: Pumps are commonly labeled regular, mid-grade, or premium. The main difference in the fuel is the octane number. Regular is commonly 87, mid-grade 89, and premium 92-93. The higher the octane number the more the fuel resists combusting under compression. If the octane rating is too low for your specific engine design, the engine may “ping” due to the fuel igniting prematurely. Use the recommended octane number that is listed in your owner’s manual. Try a higher octane fuel only if your engine “pings” or “knocks”. If your engine runs fine on the recommended octane number, stay with that grade of fuel and don’t spend more money on a premium fuel.