Will the higher octane ( more expensive stuff) make my engine run better or last longer? I'm just wondering if it's worth putting in expensive gas or should I keep using the cheapest?
2007-08-17 11:24:20 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It's a 2004 Honda element with about 45,000 miles on it.
2007-08-17 14:48:01 · update #1
Check your owner's manual. Most cars will have whatever octane that is recommended for optimal performance. It may even be on the dashboard near the gas gauge. Certain cars run better on certain octanes.
2007-08-17 11:33:01 · answer #1 · answered by Irishgal 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Despite the slight increase in higher octane, recent tests have shown that most cars definitely run better, cleaner, with more power and increased mileage with a higher octane than they do with regular.
This goes against anything I was ever taught as a young man, but, as I said, recent tests have proved it to be a fact. If the manyfacturer says use 85 octane, I'd try for 87 and if they say 87, I'd try 89 as a test. It may take a couple of tankfuls to notice any difference, especially if you've been using "cheap gas". Good luck!
2007-08-17 11:36:21 · answer #2 · answered by Kiffin # 1 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it depends on make model and year...
i.e. I recently about 3 months ago had to charge a customer $291.96 cents to
diagnois and fix a engine miss which also on longer trips car would start to heat up...
it was a 98 Hyundai Elantra which has a 10:1 compression computer controlled motor...
High compression require higher octane fuel...( the compression of this hyundai is like the old muscle cars of the 60's and 70's)..
with the computer the car's other sensors told the computer the fuel had a problem and the computer tried to richen (add fuel to correct) which in turn gas fouled the plugs caused a engine miss fire on all 4 cylinders and set 5 computer codes in computer...
pull computer codes $40.00 ....
1 1/2 drivetime for verifying customers problem... 42.00 hr compression test to check head gasket...$20.00
The mitchell under codes said Check fuel octane if 87 or lower increase to 89 or above..
(the only place I know with octane tester is gas company) so I took problem backward... rather than test fuel to see if 87 or lower assumed octane too low
Added 1 bottle of Outlaw octane booster (catalytic and sensor safe ) to tank...
after adding it to tank drove car 150 feet to stop sign then check engine light went out... miss diappeared...
drove car only 8 blocks back to shop and pulled plugs the once sooty flat black pocelain tips now pure white like new...
Pretty expensive to have to tell customer to stop using cheap gas...
this car also gets about 20-50% better mileage with better gas
Walt
2007-08-17 11:52:05 · answer #3 · answered by Ronk W 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, the higher octane(like93) will make your engine last longer and run better. But some cars and trucks are supposed to use lower octane or else they will knock and ping(don't know specific term if available) I don't recomend using race fuel like you can get at BP gas stations unless you have a high performance car and are planning on (said by the name of the fuel) racing.
2007-08-17 11:35:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Assuming your rig is in the modern era, it will run fine on the cheap stuff. Why waste your money on a higher grade when the benefits will be barely noticeable, if at all. Computer controled engines will adjust to their needs. If you have the owner's manual, check it, it will tell what grade of fuel to use. Other then some high performance cars, newer cars will run just fine on lower grade fuels.
2007-08-17 11:57:39 · answer #5 · answered by Mr.D 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All octane does is forestall engine knock (detonation). Use the backside octane you are able to with out the the engine making a knocking sound. pointless greater octane does not make your vehicle run extra advantageous!!! If all you require is 87 and you utilize ninety 3, the only distinction you will see is a lighter wallet. Octane is a huge fantasy that no-one knows. the only element is does is administration engine knock. it rather is all. Use regardless of your proprietor's instruction manual recommends, something greater will purely value you funds. desire this enables.
2016-11-12 19:16:39 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as your car doesn't make funny pinging noises or loses "umph" power, then you should be OK. I had a car whose manual told me to use the highest octane. It actually caused pinging. I switched to 87 octane, and it went away. Go for it!
2007-08-17 11:32:32 · answer #7 · answered by Serena 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i live in SF and i used to fill up my tank with the most expensive gas, as the price went up i switched to the medium and then i just realized i have to visit the gas station more often than before and felt my car is less powerful.
2007-08-17 11:50:28 · answer #8 · answered by yo~ 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You are ok it properly runs on regular anyway, If I knew what year and model could help a little more, hope this helps.
2007-08-17 11:35:17 · answer #9 · answered by JT B ford man 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use whatever the manafacturer recommends. That is what the car is tuned for.
2007-08-17 11:33:05 · answer #10 · answered by Fordman 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋