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Is it Worth it to Buy Premium Gas?

Premium Gas
 
It may seem logical to buy premium fuel if you own a high-performance vehicle, but is it really worth it?  Let’s find out…
 
What is premium gas?
 
Many people assume that premium fuel is better, but have no idea what actually makes it superior.  The majority of gas stations offer three types of fuel: regular, midgrade, and premium, with the latter possessing the highest octane rating. An octane rating shows how easily the fuel will ignite when compressed. The higher, the better.
 
In general, high-performance vehicles need a higher compression ratio, which is why some require premium gas.  While a higher octane rating may be seen as a good thing, it still doesn’t mean it’s worth the extra money.
 
Read your Vehicle Manual
 
Before you do anything, check your owner’s manual to see the minimum octane rating your car requires.  While you should never dip below the minimum level, it likely won’t benefit you much if you use fuel that has a higher rating than what’s required. Despite what you may hear, many experts believe you won’t actually notice a difference in your car’s performance.
 
If your manual recommends premium fuel but doesn’t require it, then the decision is really up to you. However, many studies have shown that the cost of premium gas often outweighs the benefits.
 
But my fuel economy will improve!
 
A common myth is that premium gas will significantly improve your fuel economy because it burns better.
 
While you may see a slight uptick in your vehicle’s fuel efficiency if you own a high-performance car, the improvement will likely be minimal, and certainly won’t be worth that extra dollar amount you’re paying.  If you’re using premium fuel simply because you want to improve your efficiency – perhaps so a little more homework and possibly reconsider.
 
But plenty of people use premium gas!
 
Sure, premium gas is still used by many drivers across the country, but that doesn’t mean they actually know what they’re getting when they fill up.  Many people are mythed into believing that “premium” coincides with good value, and think they’re truly saving money in the long-term by using premium fuel.
 
When is it worth it?
 
As mentioned earlier, you should really own use premium fuel if your car requires it. Otherwise, you’re likely just throwing away your hard-earned money.  While it’s rarely a bad thing to take care of your vehicle, in this instance, it’s simply not worth it.