Premium gas? Buy it only if vehicle requires it, AAA says

Do you buy premium gasoline when you don’t need to?

Some motorists think it might help their vehicle’s performance, even if it isn’t required.

AAA released new research this week that shows paying up for premium — 91/93 octane vs. 87 octane for regular — may not be worth the extra money, unless your vehicle requires it.

“Sometimes consumers think they are giving their vehicle a boost by buying a higher-grade gasoline than what is required,” said AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins. “AAA already proved that there is no benefit to using premium gasoline in cars designed to run on regular. Now we can confidently say that unless the vehicle manufacturer requires it, or you drive in demanding conditions, motorists who buy premium are wasting money at the pump.”

Some motorists may consider the additional torque and horsepower to be worth the extra money.

Individual drivers — particularly if their driving style can be described as “spirited” — may find an improvement in vehicle driving performance for offthe-line acceleration, highway passing, hill-climbing when loaded with luggage or towing a trailer, and may determine that their personal driving benefits from the use of premium gasoline.

While some vehicles are designed to run on premium octane gasoline, others simply recommend it.

So AAA set out to determine the effects of using premium gasoline in vehicles that recommend it and whether the benefits in fuel economy and horsepower are worth the higher price.

On average, this year in Florida, there has been a 20 percent to 25 percent gap between regular and premium octane fuel ($2.37 vs. $2.94).