At Professional Fleet Services We Are Often Asked About Premium vs. Regular Fuel

I am often ask the question: "Will using premium gas make my car run better?" The answer is simple. But first, let's talk about what exactly premium gasoline is.

Different grades of fuel have different octane ratings. Regular gasoline has the lowest octane rating and premium the highest. Most gas stations around Lansing Michigan also carry a mid-grade that falls in between the two. The octane range for the different grades of gas varies by region due to altitude differences.

The higher the octane the cleaner the fuel burns, also more of the fuel molecules themselves are burned. I have also found that better quality fuel causes less carbon deposit build up inside of the engine. The lack of deposits and build up maximize fuel economy, lower emissions and lower auto repair costs. 

Engines require different octane ratings because of design differences. For example, turbocharged engines usually require premium gas.

There's a sticker on your gas tank filler lid that tells you the minimum octane rating your manufacturer recommends.

If your not sure what type of gasoline your engine needs, come by our Lansing Michigan service center:
Professional Fleet Services
615 E Kalamazoo St
Lansing, Michigan 48912
517-316-7999

Read your owner's manual carefully to see if it's acceptable to use lower grades. With some cars in Lansing Michigan it is; the engine control computer can adapt. You’ll lose some performance, but won't do damage. With other engines, using a lower grade of fuel could result in serious damage; so you don't want to save a couple of bucks at the pump only to pay it out a hundred fold at the repair shop.

Your car will run best on the grade of gasoline recommended by the manufacturer.

Today's computer controlled vehicles are optimized to run well on the recommended grade of fuel. Using a higher grade than is recommended will not give you any additional performance or better fuel economy.

Regulations require detergents for all grades of gasoline, so your engine will have the same protection, regardless of the grade of fuel you use. If you do hear some knocking or pinging from your engine, take it seriously and get your vehicle into Lansing Professional Fleet Services Auto Repair. It may be a sign that you need a tune-up, fuel injection service or some other repair. If the pinging continues it will destroy the inside of the engine putting many small dents in the piston and valves until  they literally blow apart.

In times of high gas prices, we're all conscious of making our fuel dollar go further as we drive around Lansing Michigan. Be sure to use the right gas for your car. Keep your tires properly inflated and your vehicle well maintained and you will get the best fuel economy possible.

Thanks,

Sam Postema

Professioinal Fleet Services

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