Premium vs. Regular Gas: What’s the Difference?

Have you ever been at the gas station and wondered about the difference between premium and regular gasoline? If so, the team at Columbia Hyundai is here to help. We have compared premium vs. regular gasoline to help you determine what is best for your particular make and model. For more information, stop by our service center today. 

What is Premium Gasoline? 

Premium gas and regular gas share a number of qualities such as the fact that both are produced from crude oil and both are combustible. Where the two types vary is octane level. Most premium gasoline will have an octane level that is 90 or above. Premium gasoline helps keep your engine cleaner, which leads to less pollution. 

What is Regular Unleaded Gasoline? 

Regular unleaded gasoline is the most common type of gas, and it works well for most vehicles on the Mason roads. It is better for the environment and your health than gasoline containing lead. Its octane rating, which indicates how well it combats inappropriate fuel combustion, is 87. 

The Difference Between Premium and Regular Gas

While the two options may seem similar, there are a few factors that set each apart: 

• Octane Rating: The higher the octane level, the less chance there is of engine knocking, which can damage your vehicle. Also called pre-ignition, this occurrence is less common with premium gasoline. 
• Engine Suitability: Regular unleaded gas burns faster than premium gas, which makes it more suited for engines that have low compression ratios. Engines with high compression ratios will benefit from premium gasoline. 
• Price: Premium gas can be as much as 20 to 40 cents more per gallon than regular unleaded gas, which can add up if you are frequently driving through Fairfield. 

Before deciding whether premium vs. regular gas is right for you, keep the following tips in mind:

• If your car does not require premium gas, it won’t boost the performance or the longevity of the vehicle. 
• If your vehicle requires premium gas, using regular gas typically will not harm the vehicle. If you hear knocking when you use regular unleaded gas, it is best to switch to premium gasoline. 
• It may be necessary to use premium gas in vehicles that utilize turbochargers. 

Contact the Columbia Hyundai Service Center Today

If you have any additional questions about premium vs. regular gas, do not hesitate to contact us. We would be glad to help you figure out which type of gas is best suited for your vehicle.