How much better gas mileage do you get between regular and premium gasoline?

Question

Oddly enough, gas prices have trippled but the difference has remained about 10 cents, or 5% between the different grades of fuel. At some point, it may be cheaper to buy the better grade because of the increased mileage.

Answer 1

NO, NO, NO!!!

People who say and think that octane ratings correlate to gas mileage are perpetuating a huge falsehood!

Octane ratings are strictly a fuels ability to resist knock, ping, detonation or pre-ignition...NOTHING ELSE!!!

This rating has nothing to do with the fuel BTU (energy content)!

Yes, certain gasoline is more efficient than others. Usually better name brand gas has beneficial injector cleaning additives which in the long run could give you better mileage. One tank is not enough to tell which one has the better additives. One tank IS enough to tell which one has the better BTU. If you try a "super" rated gas (slightly higher octane) lower price (lower BTU) you will get lower mpg. If you car CAN burn regular and the owners manual recommends regular (85-87 octane) then you will increase your operating expenses by putting higher octane fuel in this car!

That's what we all seem to want right? higher operating expenses? That's what premium will get you if you don't need it. Premium is strictly for vehicles with a higher compression ratio or supercharged (turbo, roots type supercharger, etc.) intake systems. If you want to waste your money and get the same mileage then burn premium...it won't hurt your engine but it won't do you any good. If you FEEL that it makes your car run better, longer, stronger, faster or any other things that you might FEEL then go ahead; your peace of mind is certainly worth the added average of $230 a year. It won't hurt your car and if it makes your heart feel good then go ahead and waste the money. The gas stations will make more money from you and with their higher profits they will be able to lower the margin for the regular gas for me.

Bottom line? Clean your injectors every 10-20k miles (regardless of which gas you use) and burn the gas with the lowest price and highest BTU that's recommended by the manufacturer (regular for low compression and premium for others)

10% alcohol blend will give you less mileage but some vehicles can claim a better cost-per-mile due to the reduced price.

Don't fall for the myth about octane means mileage; it just absolutely doesn't!

Answer 2

zzmac,

I have a solution that helps your gas mileage without switching gas-grades. In fact, as per some of the testimonies, many people have been able to downgrade their gas-grade to regular unleaded by using Ethos Fuel Reformulator. It increases your gas mileage by an average of 19%.

Does it work?

Well, it's a leap of faith, but the videos are what persuaded me - http://www.ethosathome.com/ - I took the chance and am on my 3rd tank on each of my cars using the product. I drive two 2006 Hondas - a Civic & a Pilot - so I wasn't expecting much improvement since they're brand new.

Here's some results I've had so far. On the '06 Civic, I've always averaged about 32.5 mpg and would get about 390 miles on a tank. With the 3 tanks using Ethos, I'm now averaging 35 mpg and 420 miles on a tank. To me, that's pretty good for a brand new car. The same thing goes for my Pilot - it's gone from 19.5 mpg to 21.75!

It's ultimately up to you, but I've had good success and had nothing but great reviews from people I've invited to try a bottle.

Anyway, you can also check the corporate website - http://www.4-ecorp.com/batchelm93 - and let me know if I can answer any other questions.

Mike B

Answer 3

I've noticed that too.

But your car won't do any better on premium gas than whatever it was designed for (usually 87 octane).

If you need 89 or 91, you need it to prevent engine damage, not just for better mileage.

That said, you if you are up-shifting very aggressively (lagging the engine at low revs with the throttle mostly open), then you could be getting pinging, knocking and the resulting loss of power (=efficiency) that could be cured by stepping up one grade. But very few people know to, care to, or choose to drive that way most of the time. The car is slow to accelerate, chugs and surges, and you have to watch revs much more closely. It just isn't a lot of fun to drive like that just for a few more MPG.

But, if these prices remain stable, higher-compression engines would have less of a fuel cost penalty compared to standard compression engines. So maybe it effect your car-buying decisions. But most high-compression engines are sized and tuned for performance, not for fuel economy.

-David in Alaska

Answer 4

The answer is depends. I am saying that, because of the increased price of the premium gasoline. Since premium gasoline is more expensive compared to regular, gas stations have greater margin by adulterating premium gasoline (usually with oil, because it is cheaper than water!). So, the answer to your questions is that premium gasoline is better for the engine and for your wallet only when it of good quality.

Answer 5

The grade of gas has nothing to do with mileage. An octane rating is nothing more than a measure of resistance to "knock" in your engine. Trust me on this one, I've worked with gasoline for many years.

Answer 6

No MPG is gained from changing grades.
Very few cars require premium, and those that do
modern ones at least, have knock sensors on the engine to adjust for either fuel.

Answer 7

unless you are driving an exotic sports car, your car will not get better gas mileage with premium gasoline, that's an old rumor that refuses to die