You'll likely see three different fuel options when you pull up to a gas pump at any gas station: regular, mid-grade, and premium. Most standard vehicles only require regular gasoline, so you may have never given a second thought to other options. Below, you can discover the differences between regular and premium gasoline and when you may need to opt for the latter version.
The Fuel Options at a Gas Pump
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At a gas pump, you'll notice that each fuel type has a particular octane rating. Regular gas has an octane rating of 87, and mid-grade gas has an octane rating of 89. The octane rating of premium gas will likely vary depending on what state you're purchasing gas in. Here in Massachusetts, the octane rating for premium gas is 93. In other states, you may notice that premium gas has a label that indicates its octane level as 91 rather than 93.
What Does a Higher Octane Rating Mean?
Fuel that has a higher octane rating can tolerate higher compression before it undergoes detonation. This means that premium fuel can withstand higher compression more efficiently than regular fuel when you start a vehicle's engine.
When you put premium fuel in a vehicle that requires it, you decrease the chances of detonation occurring at the wrong time. As a result, you'll notice increased fuel efficiency and performance, and you can preserve the condition of your engine for a longer period. Filling up with premium fuel when your vehicle requires it can help decrease engine knocking and let you reach your desired horsepower with no issues.
When To Use Regular Fuel
You should opt for regular fuel if it's the kind that your auto manufacturer recommends. For instance, most Mazdas without turbocharged engines call for regular fuel. If you own a vehicle like this, there's no need to opt for the more expensive fuel at the gas station. Filling up a standard vehicle with premium fuel doesn't offer any noticeable benefits in terms of power, performance, or fuel efficiency. While it won't cause damage, it's not sensible to pay higher prices for fuel with no significant advantages.
While you don't have to refuel a standard vehicle with premium fuel, you can take other measures to care for your vehicle. One of the simplest things you can do is to schedule your vehicle for regular maintenance services. Here at North End Mazda, we have highly qualified and thoroughly trained technicians to complete the maintenance services your vehicle needs to remain in good condition. Be sure to schedule service with us today to
When To Use Mid-Grade Fuel
Mid-grade fuel is the least common fuel type in the US. Its octane rating is in between that of regular and premium gasoline. It has a few differences from regular fuel, including a cleaner burn and more additives. It may prevent the buildup of deposits in your engine's fuel injectors, which can help preserve your engine's condition. However, mid-grade fuel isn't necessary for any vehicle. It's your choice to fill your gas tank with regular or mid-grade fuel, and you'll often get by just fine with regular fuel.
When To Use Premium Fuel
It's important to use premium fuel when your vehicle requires it. Most standard vehicles will offer optimal performance with regular fuel. You may need to purchase premium fuel if you have a luxury vehicle, a performance vehicle, a classic car, or an older model car. These vehicles are more prone to knocking, which can lead to issues with their engines. You can minimize knocking by fueling up with premium gas, as its higher octane rating prevents this issue.
You can determine if your vehicle requires premium fuel by referring to your owner's manual. If you don't have the manual available or prefer to ask a professional, you can visit a trusted dealership for guidance. When you do your car shopping at North End Mazda, you'll have access to knowledgeable sales agents who can advise you on what fuel type to use. Be sure to visit our location in Lunenburg to speak with one of our team members about your vehicle's fuel requirements and other details.
Will You Have the Option To Choose Between Regular and Premium Fuel?
Some vehicle owners will have the option to choose between regular and premium fuel. Some auto manufacturers will recommend premium fuel in certain vehicles instead of requiring it. For example, Mazda recommends that vehicle owners use premium fuel with vehicles like the 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata and the 2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring trim level.
If you see that premium fuel is recommended in your owner's manual, the choice of which fuel type to use is yours. You can choose to fuel up with premium gas to emphasize some of your vehicle's intended performance specs and achieve slightly better fuel efficiency.
If you don't want to pay the higher prices for premium fuel for a vehicle that only recommends it, you can fuel up with regular gas. Drivers who only want to get from point A to point B won't notice a difference. They'll be able to safely operate their vehicles while getting decent savings over time at the gas pump.
Be sure to note what kind of vehicle you have, including its model, year, and trim level. Auto manufacturers may have distinct gas requirements for each vehicle, so it's important to know what your vehicle needs. You may cause unintended damage to your engine if you fuel a performance vehicle with regular gas while the manufacturer requires premium gas.
If you're in the market for a new luxury vehicle that uses premium gas or a more standard vehicle that takes regular fuel, our dealership can help. Be sure to visit us at North End Mazda so that you can browse our inventory of new and pre-owned Mazda vehicles. You may also seek assistance with applying for financing, leasing a vehicle, or getting a replacement part.
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