Van Nuys Auto Repair & Service Center

AutoAid & Rescue Often Asked About Premium vs. Regular Gas



People in Van Nuys CA often ask the question: "Will using premium gas make my car run better?" The answer is simple. But first, let's talk about what exactly premium gasoline is.

Different grades of gasoline have different octane ratings. Regular gasoline has the lowest octane rating and premium the highest. Most gas stations around Van Nuys CA also carry a mid-grade that falls in between the two. The octane range for the different grades of gas varies by region due to altitude differences.

Engines require different octane ratings because of design differences. For example, turbocharged engines usually require premium gas.

There's a sticker on your gas tank filler lid that tells you the minimum octane rating your manufactruer recommends.

For help identifying the type of gasoline your engine needs, come by our Van Nuys CA service center:
AutoAid & Rescue
14526 Erwin Street
Van Nuys, CA 91411
818-901-1113

Read your owner's manual carefully to see if it's acceptable to use lower grades. With some cars in Van Nuys CA it is; the engine control computer can adapt. You’ll lose some performance, but won't do damage. With other engines, using a lower grade of fuel could result in serious damage; so you don't want to save a couple of bucks at the pump only to pay it out a hundred fold at the repair shop.

Your car will run best on the grade of gasoline recommended by the manufactruer.

Today's computer controlled vehicles are optimized to run well on the recommended grade of fuel. Using a higher grade than is recommended will not give you any additional performance or better fuel economy.

Regulations require detergents for all grades of gasoline, so your engine will have the same protection, regardless of the grade of fuel you use. If you do hear some knocking or pinging from your engine, take it seriously and get your sedan into AutoAid & Rescue. It may be a sign that you need a tune-up or some other repair.

In times of high gas prices, we're all conscious of making our fuel dollar go further as we drive around Van Nuys CA. Be sure to use the right gas for your car. Keep your tires properly inflated and your vehicle well maintained and you will get the best fuel economy possible.

Categories:

General
AutoAid is committed to ensuring effective communication and digital accessibility to all users. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone, and apply the relevant accessibility standards to achieve these goals. We welcome your feedback. Please call AutoAid (818) 901-1113 if you have any issues in accessing any area of our website.