What Type of Gas Should I Get at the Pump?

Gas plays an extremely crucial part in our lives.  As daily commuters, it’s a means to an end, our destination.  As gas prices rise in the summer months, many are considering more fuel-efficient vehicles, transportation alternatives, and cutting their driving down considerably.  One age old question that many consumers have at the pump, when they do visit, is what IS really the difference between gas types?  It’s always the same scenario: you’re at the pump and you see the ambiguous numbers 87, 89, and 92 plastered on the front of the gas pump terminal.  You read the benefits of the higher priced gas and think: “Is this really making a difference?”  In today’s blog, we discuss the differences and how it affects your specific vehicle.  Check it out!

When buying gas for your vehicle, you should consider a couple things.  When you arrive at the gas station you fill up on unleaded gas, with three options: octane, special additives, and ethanol content.

Octane has three options: 87, 89, and 92.  Large engines perform well on 87 octane, smaller cars do well with 89, and high performance cars run perfect on 92 octane.  The higher the octane rating the more compression the fuel can handle before it ignites.  If your engine begins to knock, then fuel is igniting from the compression, not from the spark.  Thus, damaging your engine.  If this continues to occur, it’s time to buy higher-octane gas.

Special Additives are beneficial because their utilized by fuel companies to keep the inside of the engine clean.  For example, Exxon uses high amounts of additives in their gas to keep your system clean.  All the major gas companies use detergent additives to help keep the engine clean, so this should not really be a consideration. 

The final option is ethanol content.  The lower the ethanol content, the better the fuel will burn in your engine, providing a longer life for your engine.  Ethanol is also good because it improves fuel economy, sometimes giving up to a 20% boost. 

Saving the planet, saving money, or prolonging the life of your car?  These are all great options to consider, give us your feedback!