i always get the regular gas since its cheapest. but now im wondering if im better off using a higher grade of gas. i have an 06 dodge stratus and im spending way too much money on gas. about 100 bucks a week. of course it doesnt help that i live in philly dealing with a traffic light at every corner
2007-07-21 06:48:53 · 6 answers · asked by dgmotley 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
You only need premium if the owner's manual says you should (high performance cars)
If your manual says 87 is fine, don't waste your money on premium.
2007-07-21 06:52:22 · answer #1 · answered by texblueskypilot 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
While some engines do require a high octane to operate efficiently at peak performance (usually high end exotics or racing) most are designed to operate on a lower octane such as "87".
It is a common belief that "the higher the octane, the better the performance and MPG". This could not be further from the truth.
Not using the grade of gas that your engine was designed for can sometimes actually lower performance and MPG. It also has the potential to cause damage to your engine due to the facts that different octanes burn at different temperatures and there is also differences in the "chemical makeup" of different grades due to the refining process and additives of the different grades.
Just reference your owners manual on the grade recommended, or if you do not have it you can contact the manufacturer.
2007-07-21 07:24:25 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most if not all the newer cars have ON BOARD DIAGNOSTICS II. This system can detect engine ping or knocking, which occurs when the ignition timing is too advanced, or when the engine is using a gasoline blend that has too low an octane rating. For your '06 Stratus, there is a knock sensor which will retard the ignition timing and spark to accomodate which ever fuel has been selected. Best to try different fuels, and different octane ratings, and whatever Dodge recommends, to find where the Stratus runs best without pinging or knocking.
2007-07-21 07:07:04 · answer #3 · answered by Phillip S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All gas is unleaded. but no as long as the car is rated as using 87 proof it will make no difference other than the premium will give you a little more power.
2007-07-21 07:24:31 · answer #4 · answered by Pengy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah - it depends on your car. I drive a truck and it tells me to use 87 because if I use a higher octane, it may cause problems with engine start up. so, far me, the higher octane is actually worse.
check your owners manual.
2007-07-21 06:56:41 · answer #5 · answered by travis113p 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Premium is for suckers who like to waste money.
2007-07-21 06:51:28 · answer #6 · answered by LostSoul 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋