September 29, 2015

What is the right grade of gasoline for your car?

Something I always wondered about:
Contrary to what many people think (and what the oil companies would like us to believe), higher grades of gasoline do not contain more energy.

Gasoline is rated by octane; generally, regular is 87 octane, mid-grade is 89 octane, and premium is 91 or 93 octane. Octane ratings indicate the gasoline's resistance to pre-ignition.[1]

Bottom line: use what your car manual says.

Notes
[1] "What kind of gasoline should you put in your car? Regular, mid-grade or premium -- here's how to choose the right fuel." By Aaron Gold, About Autos, 9/29/15.

No comments: