I have a V8 car that only takes premium fuel. What is it that makes cars need to have 'premium fuel'?? what is the difference when you put unleaded in it?
2006-10-24 15:33:48 · 8 answers · asked by Cal0507 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I have a Maxima that requires premium but in all of its 156,000 miles I have run premium a handful of times. The rest of the time its been the 87 octane. The car is alive and kicking and probably will go well over 200k. See how it runs on 87octane. If it doesn't like it try 89. It should be fine. Just listen for any pinging when you accelerate. if it pings go a higer grade.
2006-10-24 15:39:50 · answer #1 · answered by Motorpsycho 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are a lot of myths and old wise tails about regular vs. premium that have been around since 5 minutes after they started selling the stuff. Here is what applies to you......Automobile Manufactures have started since the early 90's building autos with Electronic Control Computers. Now, these computers have programs that take in account the amount of throttle (gas pedal) that a driver is applying, with the amount of fuel required, with the amount of air, to eventually lead to the best power available to the transmission to apply to the wheels and make you GO! There are other factors, but this is a down and dirty. Now, when the programing is developed for these vehicles, newer vehicle that is, the varibles can be very narrow to achieve the performance and gas mileage as claimed by the manufacture. For example, certain vehicles today will display the engine warning light if you use a high flow air filter vs. the traditional type. With these tight parameters, the octian and the cleanleness of the fuel can greatly determine the overall function of the engine. So, if you own a vehicle that is tuned and programed for "Premium Gasoline Only", you best bet is to use that grade only. If there is a manufacture's warranty still on the auto, you can void that warranty by using less quality gasoline. And, yes many new vehicles store performance information in the computer control module, that can be recovered and use to determine what caused the malfunction or breakdown. I hope this helps, Good Luck.. Darn Spell Check ain't working, Sorry about that.
2006-10-24 16:20:50 · answer #2 · answered by sfcjcl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cars that require premium fuel generally have a higher compression ratio than cars that burn regular.
If your vehicle requires premium fuel, you must use premium fuel for the engine to run right. If regular unleaded is used, the engine will begin to knock from detonation, and the computer will retard the spark to compensate. Performance and fuel economy will be degraded in the process. If the detonation is caused by poor grade of fuel, rather than the firing of the spark plugs too soon, retarding the spark will have no effect. A really poor grade of fuel in carbureted engines has been known to keep the engine running even after turning off the switch.
2006-10-24 17:36:54 · answer #3 · answered by eferrell01 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For a fairly concise but informative discussion of octane and fuel grades, go here----->
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/question90.htm
...and then you will understand that there is NO MORE energy stored in premium fuel than the regular, and there is no better performance for a car that doesn't need it.
It ONLY contains more anti-knock compounds, so that higher performance engines can use higher compression, and the ignition timing of these engines can be advanced more than others.
Good Luck
2006-10-24 16:20:24 · answer #4 · answered by Ironhand 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A car doesn't have to have premium unless you put your foot on the floor a lot. Especially in lower altitudes.
If you hear a high pitch rattle (ping) let up immediately and use premium
Newer computerized cars will just not develope maximum power unless you use premium. You will not need premium in city driving.
You will get a ticket or wreck first.
2006-10-24 15:45:53 · answer #5 · answered by jekin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't plan on operating at high RPM, I'd say use mid-grade. Regular burns kinda dirty, I hear. The fuel grade only governs the detonation characteristics, which doesn't matter much in a V-8, so long as you drive it normal.
2006-10-24 15:40:47 · answer #6 · answered by Steve-o 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
premuim fuel has more octane.
if its a newer car you dont have to use premium.. they say preimum is best for older cars...
thats what i have heard.....
i also have a v8 and only use regular..you can get an octane booster tho..
2006-10-24 15:37:50 · answer #7 · answered by lilil_ace_lilil 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what year and model is the car. if it's older, regular should be ok.
if it newer, and something like a mustang, camaro, corvette, ect.....you have to run premium or it will mess up the sensors and wellness of your car
2006-10-24 15:43:31 · answer #8 · answered by vnm0s1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋