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

Have you ever wondered if your car really requires premium fuel? Maybe you're just looking for answers about whether or not premium vs. regular gas are really that different. Regardless, we can help answer your automotive questions including those related to fuel type. Read on for additional information on what the difference is between premium and regular gas or contact us for answers to your other service questions!




What is Regular Unleaded Gasoline? 

Regular unleaded gasoline is a type of unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 87. A fuel's octane rating tells you how well it combats inappropriate fuel combustion. Regular gasoline resists knocking or pinging during combustion less well than other grades of gasoline, including premium gas.

What is Premium Gasoline? 

Premium gas and regular gas share a number of qualities. Both are made from crude oil. Both are combustible. But premium gas burns much cleaner than regular gasoline, and helps allay early combustion that leads to engine knocking. This is why many luxury vehicles use premium gasoline. If your car requires it, you should use it, period. 

The Difference Between Premium and Regular Gas

Here are the main reasons why you'd choose one grade of fuel over the other:

  • Engine Suitability: Regular unleaded gas burns more quickly than premium gas, which makes it better used in engines that have low compression ratios. Engines with high compression ratios, meanwhile, will usually benefit from premium gasoline. 
  • Octane Rating: The higher the octane level, the less chance there is of engine knocking, which can damage your car. Also called pre-ignition, knocking is less common with premium gasoline. 
  • Price: Premium gas can be as much as 20 to 40 cents more per gallon than regular unleaded gas.

    • When you're trying to figure out if you should use premium or regular gas in your car, here are some things to consider:

    • Using premium gas will not make your vehicle last longer if your car doesn't require it.
    • If your vehicle requires premium gas, using regular gas will not always harm the vehicle. That said, you should always follow manufacturer recommendations for what type of gas your vehicle requires for best results. 
    • Many turbocharged vehicles require premium gas due to their compression ratio. 

      • Basil Ford of Niagara Falls is Here to Answer All Your Service Questions!

      Now that you've had a chance to read more about the differences between premium vs. regular gas, we invite you to call (716) 693-1400 or visit our online service center for more answers to your service FAQs! We're your premier Ford service center near Lockport for a reason!