Is it better to use premium gas instead of regular gas in order to increase gas mileage?

Question

I just wonder what some people tell me, that by using premium gas, your car will get better gas mileage. I know that it is better for your engine to get premium gas, and in the long run it will be cheaper bc of filter replacements among others. But my point is: will it increase the gas mileage? I know it can increase power, and more power = more miles, ok., but in the long run, after a full tanks of gas, in my case 20 galons x 20 cents extra per gallon for using premium, then we are talking of $4 extra by using premium per tank (which is about one-and-a-half to two galons more of gas if I chose regular, (my truck about 20mpg with regular gas), I am talking of about a 35-40 miles of distance traveled that I lose if I use premium.

NOW, the question is:
If I get about 340 miles per tank, then we are talking of about 10% loss (difference in miles per tank), FINALLY the question is: WILL PREMIUM GAS INCREASE AT LEAST OR CLOSE TO 10% MORE MILES/GALON?

Please cite your sources. thx

Answer 1

No, absolutely not

More octane does not give you more power. That's a big mis conception. Higher octane fuel helps prevent pre-ignition in higher compression engines. It can also allow more initial advanced ignition timing in high performance engines.

Corvettes, Cadillacs and some other higher performance cars reccomended high octane fuel for this reason. It wasn't for more power, it was for eliminating pre-ignition (knocking - pinging) that damages engines.

Your pick-up will run just as good on regular as it will with more expensive high octane gas.

If you want better mileage, look into a free flowing dual exhaust, a K&N air filter/housing and keeping your tires inflated

Answer 2

The answer to your question is a resounding "NO". Using premium gasoline for a vehicle is totally a waste of money, UNLESS the manufacturer of that vehicle demands in the owners manual that premium be used. Also, it is debatable, in this day of very controlled and filtered gasoline blends, that regular gasoline will cause any increase in maintenance costs.
The petroleum producers would certainly like you to believe you will be much better off to use their most expensive blends, but experience shows this to be false economy.
Go by your owners manual. Period. That is all the source material you need. They SHOULD know.

Answer 3

Premium fuel simply is created with additives that prevent pre-combustion. High performance cars often times have very high compression ratios. That can cause to gasoline to ignite prematurely which can cause problems. Check your owners manual to see what your cars comp. ratio. If it's turbocharged or supercharged definetly use premium. It will probably help you get 10% or more. But the way to really find out is to try a tank of each and see how far you can go.

Answer 4

no it wont make that much of a difference,i own a repair shop,and most regular fuels now days will get as good of mileage as the premium will,there's very little difference in the fuels now,so your not going to save the extra cost or make up for it in mileage either way you,ll break even at best on it,id find a good regular fuel and stay with it,you,ll find by getting one good brand of gas and staying with it helps more than anything,and driving habits can easily make up the 10% real easy,i tried using better gas and i didn't gain from it either,god luck,i hope this help,s.

Answer 5

Your car was designed and engineered to run on the octane rating as stated in the owner's manual. To increase from regular to premium only means that a fool and his money are soon parted. In the way back when olden days (like 50's and 60's) higher octane = more horsepower and less mileage. Today it means nothing but extra cost unless you modify your engine in a way that it needs premium (read Hot Rod). As in 50's and 60's means more power but less mileage. Put in the grade of gas called for.

Answer 6

No. The difference between premium and regular is octane. Octane simply is a measure of your engine's ability to resist knocking. If your engine doesn't knock on regular, switching to premium would be a waste of money. But in any event, no, it is not a factor in gas mileage.

Answer 7

Using premium in a car that isn't tuned for it will make little or no difference. A lot of European cars are tuned for and require fuel with an octane level of 95-98. Most standard US cars are set up for standard 89-91 octane.

Answer 8

The only reason to use premium is if your car needs it. If you are getting a pinging noise when you accelerate you need to go up a grade. If your car is not made for premium the excess in it will actually start to plug up your car, premium is for high performance only.
I have a 300hp 350ci V8, high compression and I use regular, runs just fine.

Answer 9

more often than not, it will actually decrease mileage just a bit. the reason is, that the more the fuel atomizes(evaporates into very very small particles) the better and cleaner and more completely it will burn. this relates to better mileage. premium fuels have a lower volatility rate, meaning they evaporate and burn slower. when it evaporates slower, it means that the particles of liquid are larger, not as fine a mist of fuel, therefore do not burn as quickly or completely. this means higher levels of emissions, and more unburnt fuel going to the cat converter. this generally means lower mpg. this is really magnified if you live in a colder climate.

Answer 10

Premium gas will be more economical (better) than regular if your engine has a high compression ratio (in the order of 7.5-1),
if not, you are just wasting money.