Can You Put Premium Gas in Any Car?

Row of gas pumps
 

Like other curious drivers in Fairmont, you may be wondering: can you put premium gas in any car? What’s the difference between premium and regular gas, anyway? What type of gas does my car take? Discover the answers to these questions and more with your local automotive experts at Dan Cava's GMC! If your vehicle ever requires service or maintenance, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment at our state-of-the-art service center in Bridgeport, WV.

 

 

Premium Gas vs. Regular Gas: What’s the Difference?

Before we answer the question, “Can you put premium gas in any car?” Let’s start by going over the difference between premium and regular gasoline.

The primary difference between premium and regular gasoline is the octane rating, which is defined as a measure of how much pressure the fuel can withstand in the internal combustion engine without detonating. Premium gasoline typically has an octane rating of 91 or more, while regular gasoline has an octane rating of 87.

Regular unleaded gas is suitable for engines with lower compression ratios, as it burns faster than premium gas. Premium gas is better suited for engines with higher compression ratios.

As you may have guessed, another difference between premium and regular gasoline is pricing. Premium gasoline is anywhere between 20 to 40 cents more per gallon than regular unleaded gasoline.

What Type of Gas Does My Car Take?

So, can you put premium gas in any car? Technically, yes – but if your specific make and model doesn’t call for premium gasoline, there’s no reason to pay extra for it. Using premium gasoline in a vehicle that doesn’t require it will not increase its performance or longevity.

Many luxury vehicles require premium gasoline because it helps prevent pre-ignition (AKA knocking) in their high-performance engines. Using regular gasoline with a vehicle that requires premium gasoline won’t cause any substantial harm. However, if you start to hear knocking during your drives around Morgantown, you should switch to premium gasoline.

So, what kind of gas does my car take? You can find your vehicle’s recommended fuel type in your owner’s manual or printed near the fuel cap.

Rely on the Automotive Experts at Dan Cava's GMC!

Whether you have other service-related questions or need to bring your GMC in for maintenance, the team at Dan Cava's GMC has you covered. Book your appointment online or get in touch with us today! We’re just a short drive from Grafton.

 

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