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

Are you ready to fill your tank and wondering what is the difference between premium and regular gasoline? Find out more about premium vs. regular gas and which is going to be the best for your vehicle with this guide from Middletown Honda. 

Premium Gasoline Explained

Some Goshen drivers may balk at the idea of paying premium gasoline prices, but some vehicles can benefit from premium gasoline. While premium and regular gas share a number of qualities, these two types vary in octane level. Most premium gasoline will have an octane level that is 90 or above. This allows premium gasoline to keep your engine cleaner, which is not only recommended for some vehicles, but also leads to less pollution.

Regular Unleaded Gasoline Explained

The most common type of gas, regular unleaded gasoline works well for most vehicles on the Warwick and Goshen roads. It’s more affordable than premium gasoline, while still being 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.

Differences Between Premium and Regular Gas

While these two options are similar in that they’re both combustible and made from crude oil, they do differ in:

• Price: As much as 20 to 40 cents more per gallon than regular unleaded gas, premium gas prices can add up if you’re frequently driving through Goshen.
• Octane Rating: The higher the octane level, the less chance there is of engine knocking, also known as pre-ignition. Pre-ignition can damage your vehicle and is less common with premium gasoline. 
• Engine Suitability: Engines with low compression ratios will benefit from regular unleaded gas as it burns faster than premium gas. Engines with high compression ratios will benefit from premium gasoline due to its slower burn time.

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

• If your car doesn’t require premium gas, using it won’t boost longevity or performance.
• If your vehicle requires premium gas, typically, regular gasoline won’t damage your vehicle. If you notice a knocking sound when you use regular unleaded gas, it’s best to switch to premium gasoline. 
• If your vehicle utilizes turbochargers, it may be necessary to use premium gas.

Learn More About Your Vehicle at Middletown Honda!

If you have any additional questions about premium vs. regular gas, or want to learn more about vehicle maintenance schedules or other car care tips, visit our service center in Middletown!