Will higher octane gas harm or help my car's engine?

Question

I own a Saturn SC2 w/ 4cyl. I have heard rumors from both sides, but I'd like to know how higher octane gas helps/hurts mileage and the engine.

Answer 1

higher octane fuel is for vehicles that require it, these vehicles have higher compression engines that need the higher octane to prevent engine ping (pre-detonation of the fuel prior to the spark plug igniting it), using higher octane fuel will not hurt the engine but wont benefit you due to the higher expense, only use higher octane if your vehicle requires it or if you are experiencing ping (pre-detonation) otherwise you are wasting money

Answer 2

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It won't hurt your car (at least not right away...), but it will not improve performance. If used for a long period of time, it can lead to more carbon and gunk build up due to incomplete burning of the fuel. High octane burns at a higher temp than regular. So an engine not designed for high octane could possibly not be burning the fuel as thoroughly, leading to more residue left behind. The only need for high octane is in engines that require them (high compression engines). Otherwise it will offer zero performance increase. This also applies to octane boosters. Also many engine treatments (especially the types like DuraLube and Slick 50) don't help much, and often end up doing more harm then good to the engine.

Answer 3

Many people believe that "premium" gas is the best gas. Not true. Premium simply means "premium price" for higher octane. Octane is a simple measurement for a gasoline’s ability to resist engine knock, a rattling or pinging sound that results from premature ignition of the compressed fuel-air mixture in one or more cylinders.

Most gas stations offer three octane grades: regular (usually 87 octane), mid-grade (usually 89 octane) and premium (usually 92 or 93). The ratings must be posted on bright yellow stickers on each gasoline pump. The misnomer about octane is that the higher the rating, the better or more smoothly your car will run. In fact, premium gas can be bad for your engine if it was not designed to run at a high-octane level.

Although it may seem that the term "premium" or "high octane" implies that more energy is available, premium gas does not produce more energy than regular or mid-grade fuel. The octane grades are designed to accommodate engines with different compression ratios. High compression engines, found in most performance cars, require a fuel that burns efficiently at a higher temperature. That’s what premium fuel does, it burns hot under high compression. In a normal engine, premium fuel does not burn completely, resulting in excess carbon build-up and carbon fouling of the spark plugs.

The end result is a less efficient engine that requires tune-ups more frequently. Oh, yeah, did I mention it also wastes money?

The only time you might need to switch to a higher octane fuel is if your car engine knocks when you use the recommended fuel. This happens to a small percentage of cars. Check your owner’s manual to determine the right octane level for your car. Regular octane is recommended for most cars. However, some cars with high compression engines, like sports cars and certain luxury cars, need mid-grade or premium gasoline to prevent knock

Answer 4

High octane fuel won't hurt the engine. You really only need whatever octane will prevent the engine from pinging(pre-ignition) going up hill with the a.c. on. higher octane will help because it has more detergents than regular and will keep your fuel system(lines, injectors, etc) from getting clogged. While the engine will run most efficient with it's recommended octane, anything else won't have a very noticeable effect, unless the octane is too low.

Answer 5

Higher octane fuel does not produce more horsepower nor does it provide better gas mileage. It is only required by high performance engines that will detonate (pre-ignition) without it. If you're not blown or turbo'd you don't need the top octane. Use the manufacturer's recommended fuel. Save the $$$

Answer 6

Use the recommended grade of gas that owners manual says.
higher octane will only help with mileage/horsepower because you have less weight in your wallet

Answer 7

I used to use super supreme gas in my car. My mechanic told me I was wasting money because cars do not need that high a grade of gas, and he recommended mid-grade. I have used that in my car for years now and have experienced very few engine problems. In fact, my car runs like a charm. It is a 1997 Buick Century. The higher grade gas has a cleaning agent in it and it keeps my engine clean and smooth running. I hope this helps.

Chow!!

Answer 8

Use the recommended octane level for your vehicle, that is the bottom line.

Why would you waste the money and potentially harm your vehicle? if it is running poorly boosting the octane level isn t the answer, you need to take your car in and get it serviced.

Answer 9

actually you should read the owners manual that came with your vehicle and use the octain level that the manufacturer recomends, A lower level can harm you valve train and the top of your pistons and elaveted octain wont help anything at all, you are just throwing money away by paying for the higher priced fuel.

Answer 10

The higher the octane, the better..