Can You Put Premium Gas In Any Car?

Whenever you’re at a gas station, you’ll have two types of gas to choose from: regular and premium. While premium gasoline may be perceived as the superior choice, it is crucial to use the appropriate gas type for your specific vehicle, so you can enjoy optimal performance on the streets of Warner Robins. That said, you shouldn’t put premium gas in any car. To explore the differences between premium and regular gas in detail, read the following guide from Genesis of Macon. Our service experts will also go over the impact each gas type has on different vehicles. 

The biggest difference between regular gas and premium gas is the octane rating. Regular gas usually has an octane rating of “87,” while premium gas has a higher octane rating, usually between “91” and “94.” Why does the octane rating matter? The higher the octane rating, the safer the gas is for performance vehicles. For this reason, premium gas usually costs more than regular gas. 

With performance vehicles, the engines’ pistons work at a higher rate than in standard vehicles. The firing of these pistons is also known as “knocking,” and too much knocking can damage the engine. That's why it's important to use gas with a higher octane rating on performance vehicles. 

It's not recommended to put regular gas in a premium car. This is due to the high level of piston knocking mentioned earlier. Putting regular gas in a premium gas car won't cause any damage right away. Even if it’s just a few times here and there, you should be fine to drive it around Perry. However, you want to be careful not to intentionally put regular gas in a premium gas car, since premium gas cars need gas with a high enough octane rating to protect the engine. 

You can put premium gas in a regular car, but it doesn’t enhance the performance capabilities of a regular car. Since the engine doesn’t have the properties of a high-performance premium car, it won’t be able to take advantage of premium gas. Ultimately, the best practice is to put the right kind of gas in your car every time you stop at a gas station around Macon. If you’re not sure what kind of gas your car needs, check your owner’s manual.

If you have any questions, be sure to ask our team today. We’re happy to hear from you, and we can also assist you with any upcoming car maintenance. Schedule your visit online, and be sure to enjoy our valet service on the day of your appointment.