2006-09-25 02:22:31 · 12 answers · asked by tazntom2004 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Audio
People do not understand that "super" or premium gas has additives to retard the burning of the fuel in the engine. It is retarded to stop pre-ignition . Regular gas has a higher energy content than premium fuel. In the old days you advanced the distributor spark to the highest point you could on the gas you wanted to operate on to the point of pre-ignition then backed it off until there was no more spark knock. Today's cars timing is not adjustable typically, but likely computer controlled. I have not set timing in years. You can try the mid-range fuel and if no spark knock is noted continue running on it. The oil companies are not the bad guys, they, like anyone else are out to make a profit on their product, the same as you or I make a profit on our labor. We are paid what the market will pay for the product or skill we offer. Anyway, I would run regular fuel until I detect spark knock then move up to the next grade until it stops. Then you'll know what will work and what will not. Regular gas has more BTU of energy than premium gas, and if your car will run w/o spark knock should also get better fuel mileage.
2006-09-25 02:38:50 · answer #1 · answered by reug0ff 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't give you better performance really at all. What high octane gas does is give your motor more complete combustion in your engine. Which in turn burns cleaner and your car actually runs a little better. Some engines like the one I have in my hot rod has a high compression ratio and a pretty radical camshaft so I have to always use premium gas in it or aviation fuel or else my pistons will actually make contact with my valves. Hopefully that shed a little light on the subject for you. By the way don't litsten to what "Mr. Cool" said about high octane fuel destroying your valves. He doesn't know what he is talking about.
2006-09-25 09:36:12 · answer #2 · answered by guitardan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
On most modern cars, no.
Modern cars rely heavily on computer technology in many different areas. The computers are programmed and designed to work with 87 octane gas (regular), but will work just as well with other, higher grades.
The bottom line is, you will likely achieve identical performance with any grade of gas on a newer car. It's not worth it to spend the extra money on high test, as you won't see any benefits of it.
2006-09-25 09:30:27 · answer #3 · answered by Engineer Budgie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's possible, but not likely. Octane ratings are a measure of a fuel's resistance to knocking, or preignition. The higher the compression your engine has, the more likely you are to need higher octane, but your manual will tell you what fuel to run. I had a 1991 Ford Ranger that knocked like hell on 87 octane, even though the manual said to run 87. I had to run 89. But most of the time you're just throwing money away.
2006-09-25 09:33:37 · answer #4 · answered by Me again 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO, Premium does not give any better performance in a car designed to run on regular.
2006-09-25 09:27:47 · answer #5 · answered by baalberith11704 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It can, but only if you advance your timing or increase your boost to take advantage of the higher fuel octane. Many vehicles with knock sensors will automatically advance the timing once you start using higher octane fuel. The improvement in the engine's efficiency from running with more advanced timing will also improve it's fuel economy, and offset the cost of the higher octane fuel.
You'll have to fill up with high octane fuel before you reach for the timing light though. ;-)
2006-09-25 09:38:03 · answer #6 · answered by sparkgap 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Over a long period of time your car may show some signs of improved performance. This is mainly due to the addatives athat are in Premium fuels, that help keep the internal parts cleaner, longer. You won't notice any difference in pick-up, but may notice a minor increase in milage over the long term.
2006-09-25 09:28:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure about your initial question.......you got some good answers about that......I do know that certain gas stations carry gas with better detergents than others though. I only get my gas from Shell, Chevron, Phillips 66, Conoco......there are others. This "top tier" gas should keep your engine cleaner and improve its performance.
2006-09-25 09:48:13 · answer #8 · answered by jk2ambmw 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Better use the regular...not the high octane..it most likely will burn your valves if you use the high octane.. use the octane rated for your engine by the car manufacture.......
2006-09-25 09:33:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you waste your money. Run the lowest octane rating that your car will run smoothly on.
2006-09-25 09:30:05 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋