Premium perplexity
We’ve been looking at some vehicles labeled “premium gas recommended but not required.” We don’t know what that means, in terms of car care.
The manufacturer is indicating you can go for the cheaper fuel but you might notice slightly diminished performance. The car might feel a tiny bit more sluggish on entrance ramps or going up hills if you use regular rather than premium. But essentially it will operate fine and you needn’t worry about causing damage to the vehicle.
So, if you’re one who likes your car to run at the peak of perkiness and responsiveness, you’ll probably be conscious of the small diminishment in pickup and power if you shift to regular. But many people aren’t troubled by this, especially when it saves $5 or more per fill-up.
By the way, one ongoing controversy among those deeply informed about car innards is the question of whether even most cars that the manufacturers say absolutely require premium do, in fact, absolutely require it.
Some experts say that in most cases, even when the owner’s manual says premium only, you can use regular and you won’t harm the engine. (You might notice that slight diminishment in performance.) That wasn’t the case decades ago, but vehicles today have improved technology that quickly allows engine systems to compensate for shifting octane levels so you won’t experience the olden days’ dire effects of using lower octanes. Anyhow, that’s one position.
And for every expert who takes that position, there’s one (or more) who says, no, don’t do that. Not on a regular basis. You’re jeopardizing your engine, you’ll have more maintenance expenses, and your mpg will definitely go down.
Car forums are filled with anecdotal comments from drivers who have tried both.
Which side is right? I don’t know. I follow my owner’s manual. It says premium. The rare times I use lower grade because premium isn’t instantly available, I don’t worry about ruining it, but I do get significantly reduced pickup (it’s 8 years old, and the intensified level of diminishment is expected in older vehicles) and reduced mpgs.
Happily, the varying grades listed in the specifications for the vehicles you’re considering mean you can experiment long term and without concern.
What’s your question? Sharon Peters would like to hear about what’s on your mind when it comes to caring for, driving and repairing your vehicle. Email Sharon@ctwfeatures.com.