When refueling your car, you’ll often encounter two options: regular and premium gasoline. While regular gasoline has a lower price tag and is the default option for many drivers, premium gasoline promises enhanced performance and engine protection. But is premium fuel worth the extra cost, and will it suit your vehicle?
What gasoline you choose can dictate how well your vehicle performs. This article will help you understand the differences between regular and premium gas and what factors to consider when selecting fuel for your car.
What is Regular Gasoline?
Regular gasoline is the most commonly used fuel among Canadian drivers. It is best for vehicles designed to operate at lower octane levels. Its average octane level is 87, which burns faster and can potentially lead to engine knocking.
Vehicles best-suited for regular gasoline include the following:
- Economy cars like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Ford Focus
- Family sedans like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Hyundai Sonata
- SUVs and crossovers like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape
- Trucks like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and RAM 1500
What is Premium Gasoline?
Premium gasoline has an average octane level of 91 or above and is best for cars with high-performance engines and higher compression ratios. Ultra-premium gasoline grades have octane ratings of 93 or 94.
Vehicles best-suited for premium gasoline include the following:
- High-performance sports cars like the Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang GT, and BMW M Series
- Luxury vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, and Lexus LS
- High-performance SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5 M, and Audi SQ7
- Some plug-in hybrid cars like the BMW 530e and Volvo XC60 Recharge
Comparing Premium and Regular Gasoline
When weighing your options between premium and regular gasoline, it’s essential to understand the differences between them and how they impact your vehicle.
What Happens if You Use the Wrong Gasoline?
Using low-octane fuel in older premium-required engines can cause engine knocking, which may lead to higher maintenance costs. However, using higher-octane fuel in older regular engines won’t harm the engine much – it might even provide cleaning benefits, albeit marginal.
However, using regular gasoline in a newer vehicle with a premium engine can cause knocking. You can mitigate this risk by avoiding high-speed driving until you refuel.
Does Auto Insurance Cover Damage Caused by Using the Wrong Gasoline?
In Canada, auto insurance can cover damage caused by using the wrong gasoline, but this will depend on your insurance provider and the circumstances in which you damaged your engine. Specific policies with accidental damage coverage may provide financial compensation for misfuelling incidents, though comprehensive insurance policies consider this a preventable error and won’t cover it.
Key Advice From MyChoice
- Review your car’s owner’s manual and follow the recommendations listed. Note the differences between “required” and “recommended.” If the manual states “premium recommended,” you can safely use regular gasoline, which may decrease fuel efficiency.
- Consider the driving conditions in your area. If you live in an area with steep inclines and long highways, you may benefit from using premium gasoline, which can prevent knocking. Conversely, regular gasoline is excellent for city driving and light use.
- Calculate your vehicle’s age. If you have an older car built before modern fuel regulations, you may benefit from using premium gasoline to reduce carbon buildup. If you have a newer engine designed to handle regular gasoline efficiently, it’s best not to deviate from the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Bring your vehicle in for regular maintenance. You can ask a professional how your gasoline affects your engine and what you can do to keep it clean and efficient.