When and Why Should I Use Premium Gas?

Have you ever wondered when and why you should use premium gas? Conflicted about whether to pay extra for premium gas or slightly less for regular gas? If you have, you’ll be glad to know that we at Mercedes-Benz of Tyler have unpacked this for you and may have just the answers you’re looking for.

What Is Premium Gas?

Premium gas has a higher octane rating than regular gas. For example, premium gas usually has an octane level of 91 or higher compared to regular gas, which usually has an octane level of 87 or lower. However, this can vary from state to state. In Tyler, Texas, regular gas has an octane rating of 87, and premium has an octane level of 93.

That might not help you much, as you may be asking yourself what exactly the octane level refers to. The fuel’s octane level represents the pressure it can withstand inside an engine. The higher the octane rating, the more the engine can compress the fuel and, therefore, the more power the fuel can provide to your car. Lower octane-rated fuels can’t compress as much and can’t provide the same power level for the same amount of fuel.

What’s the Difference Between Regular and Premium Gas?

The difference between regular and premium gas is the octane level. High-performance engines are compatible with premium gas, which has some benefits over regular gas. Some premium gas also contains additional or higher-quality additives that can benefit your engine.

When Should You Use Premium Gas?

If your car’s manufacturer recommends using high-octane fuel, then filling up your vehicle with premium gas is a smart idea. If you have a high-performance engine, using premium gas can help your vehicle run optimally and improve its power output. It also reduces the likelihood of engine knocking, which, over time, can cause serious engine damage.

You typically use premium gas for high-performance engines that have higher compression ratios. These engines, especially those with turbo or superchargers, require the gas within the engine to withstand greater pressures to operate optimally at peak performance.

Benefits of Premium Gas

Premium gas has a higher octane level that allows compatible engines to run at higher power than compared to regular gas. This allows modern, higher-performance engines to perform optimally with reduced chances of engine knock occurring. These benefits are particularly apparent in vehicles with turbo and superchargers. The benefits include a smoother running engine at higher power outputs, which decreases the chances of engine knocking. Engine knocking occurs when the air-to-fuel ratio in your car’s engine is incorrect. It can cause serious engine damage and lead to costly engine repairs.

Does Premium Gas Last Longer?

The simple answer to whether premium gas lasts longer is no. You can think of premium gas (with higher octane levels) as full-fat milk and regular gas as low-fat milk. In a similar way that you may require low-fat or whole milk for varying dietary requirements, your car requires either premium or regular gas to run its engine. Using full-fat milk doesn’t make the milk last longer; similarly, using premium gas doesn’t last longer than regular gas.

If you want your gas to last longer, instead of using a premium gas with a higher octane rating, you’d be better off getting a car with better fuel efficiency.

Can You Mix Premium and Regular Gas?

Mixing premium and regular gas in your car’s tank is just fine. Most modern vehicles today have high-tech electronics with fuel monitoring that can adjust to different grades of gas. If you have a car that is rated for premium gas and you put in regular gas by mistake, there is no immediate risk of engine damage. The only downside you may experience is your engine running less smoothly at sub-optimal efficiency.

Will Premium Gas Clean Your Engine?

No, premium gas doesn’t provide any special cleaning abilities. Regardless of the type of fuel you use, you still need to clean your car’s engine regularly. Over time, there is a buildup of carbon in the engine that occurs when using any type of gas. Using premium gas instead of regular gas won’t prevent this, so it is important to make sure you perform proper maintenance of your vehicle and don’t skip your next car service .

Is Premium Gas Worth It?

If your vehicle manufacturer recommends using premium gas, then filling your tank with it is the way to go. Using lower octane gas for sustained periods in your high-performance engine could lead to knocking, which may damage your engine. Conversely, there is no point in using more expensive premium gas if your car only requires regular gas.

In short, the benefits of the more costly premium gas don’t really make much difference when using it in a vehicle that isn’t rated for its use. The type of gas you’re best off using depends on the recommended gas for your engine, as provided by your vehicle manufacturer.

We’ve provided you with some answers to when and why you should use premium gas, although you may not be sure which gas your car is rated for. We at Mercedes-Benz of Tyler in Tyler, Texas, are always available to assist you with your Mercedes-Benz. Eligible customers can contact our roadside assistance  team any time of the day, any day of the week, or any day of the year.

As a customer of Mercedes-Benz of Tyler, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes from having “on-call” help available at any time. Sending out Mercedes-Benz technicians is a standard that has set us apart from other luxury car makers for many years.

If you’re interested in learning more about our 24/7 roadside assistance rates and packages, you can contact us  to speak with a sales representative and gain further insight into the advantages, eligibility, and costs of adding it to your vehicle’s payment plan. Our technicians offer professional and qualified services with on-call availability any day or time.

Image by Dawn McDonald is licensed with Unsplash License