Gas price is up and up. My sister told me she always fill regular gas for her Lexus LS400 and BMW 323 for years and seemed to be all right. No mechanic damage and does not feel powerless.
I believe her words but think that just too good to be true.
And opinion?
2006-08-25 09:39:09 · 9 answers · asked by plokiman 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Many vehicles designed for premium will run on regular but with significantly reduced performance and fuel economy. The engine management system includes a knock sensor that prevents engine damage if regular is used.
My MB C-Class gets about 30 MPG on the highway on premium but barely 18 on regular. It's much cheaper per mile to put the more expensive fuel in the tank. Performance on regular fuel also SUCKS big-time.
Her cost of operation of both vehicles would actually be lower if she used the proper fuel. False economy to use the cheap stuff in this case!
2006-08-25 09:45:57 · answer #1 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IF YOU DRIVE LIKE A GIRL. In high power with lots of right foot that might not be wise pinging is detonation inside the motor, not smooth burning of fuel. Cars designed to run premium will even get a couple more miles a gallon on the good stuff. So damaged valves lower performance OR run the right grade. Car doesn't ping run regular
2006-08-25 09:48:27 · answer #2 · answered by John Paul 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd only do that if it were an emergency. If your car has a high(er) compression motor, like alot of sport(ier) cars, it will damage it in the long run by pre-mature combustion. It will feel somewhat sluggish, but it would run fine. It really depends on the engine: a sporty Civic Si will have a 9.8:1 compression, but a sportier Celica Gt-S will have compression in the area of 11:1. Both want premium gasoline (according to manufacturer), but the Celica runs a higher compression ratio and really really needs it, but running regular on the Civic won't show any immediate damage, if any. I think car designers take this into consideration anyway.
2006-08-25 10:55:59 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes and no.
Cars designed to run on Premium will run on Regular. However, detonation will destroy an engine.
Your sister most likely droves conservatively. That is why she is getting away with it.
2006-08-25 09:52:40 · answer #4 · answered by mykidsRmylife 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As long as she bought those cars new and used low grade gas every time she filled up, then yes there will be no problems. If she started off using mid or high grade and then later on switched, then yes it will mess with the performance of her car
2006-08-25 09:47:37 · answer #5 · answered by angei0809 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
some cares will do fine on regular...you can run your care and a tank an see how it reacts...it should not hurt your car but in some cases it just runs like crap
2006-08-25 09:43:34 · answer #6 · answered by turner32542 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you must use what the manufacturer recomends otherwise serious damage can result. I don't care what your sister or any other misguided sole might say. a pre ignition knock can destroy your engine...don't take my word for it try it and see.
you can't afford gas so you think you can afford repairs???
2006-08-25 09:47:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
you will be ok short term but the money you are saving will not amount to much when you have to replace the catalytic converter. The lower octane gas will ruin it.
2006-08-26 02:42:40 · answer #8 · answered by rwings8215 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Check your owners manual.
Most of the time NO. It will cause the rings of your car to wear out and you will loose your engine.
2006-08-25 09:45:37 · answer #9 · answered by Here I Am 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋