Types of Gasoline
"What distinguishes one type of gasoline from another?
Its octane rating. The octane rating gauges fuel stability, or its capacity to endure compression in an engine without undergoing spontaneous combustion. This is commonly known as the fuel’s resistance to 'knock.' The higher the octane rating, the less likely the fuel is to induce knocking. Therefore, high-performance engines are better suited to higher octane fuel. Gasoline comes in three main types, classified by octane rating:
Regular Unleaded (87 Octane) This is the most prevalent and economical choice. It's suitable for most everyday vehicles with standard engines and is a safe option if your vehicle’s owner’s manual doesn’t specify a higher octane rating.
Mid-Grade (89-91 Octane) Also known as “plus” or “mid-octane” gasoline, this option strikes a balance between performance and cost. Some vehicles with more sophisticated engines may benefit from this fuel.
Premium (91+ Octane) Premium gasoline is made for high-performance and most european vehicles. Engines with a high compression ratio or turbochargers often necessitate this fuel to prevent knocking and optimize power.
Wondering which fuel type suits your car? Here are a few methods to figure it out.
Refer to the Owner’s Manual
Your manual should outline the recommended octane rating.If it doesn’t specify, then regular unleaded is likely your best bet.
Check the Fuel Door Sticker
Many vehicles have a sticker near the fuel door that states the recommended octane rating.
Listen to Your Engine
If you notice knocking or pinging noises while driving, it could indicate that you’re using the incorrect fuel. Refer back to your owner’s manual and fuel sticker, then switch to the recommended octane rating.