Premium vs. Regular Gas

When you visit the gas station in Amherst or Clarence, you are likely able to choose between regular and premium gasoline. Because of this, you may be wondering about the difference between premium and regular gas. The team at Basil Resale Sheridan has created this guide comparing premium vs. regular gas to help you determine which is best for your vehicle.

Premium Gasoline

You may be surprised to learn that premium and regular gas actually share a number of qualities. For example, each type of gasoline is produced from crude oil and each is combustible. What sets the two variations apart? The main difference between premium and regular gas is the octane level. Generally, premium gasoline will have an octane level that is 90 or above. When you compare premium vs. regular gas, you will also notice that premium gasoline helps keep your engine cleaner. This leads to less pollution around Buffalo.

Unleaded Gasoline

Regular unleaded gasoline is the most common type of gas, and for most vehicles on the roads of Williamsville, it’s all you need to keep your car running smoothly. It is better for the environment and your health than gasoline containing lead. When it comes to octane level, regular gasoline falls at 87.

The Difference Between Premium and Regular Gas

Compare premium vs. regular gas more in-depth below to see which is the right choice for your particular make and model.

• Octane Rating: The higher the octane level, the less chance there is of engine knocking. Engine knocking, also known as pre-ignition, can be detrimental to your vehicle. With premium gasoline, engine knocking occurs less frequently.
• Engine Suitability: Regular unleaded gas burns faster than premium gas, so it is better suited for engines that have low compression ratios. If your vehicle’s engine has a higher compression ratio, premium gas is likely the better option for you.
• Price: Premium gas is a bit more costly (as much as 20 to 40 cents more per gallon).

Here is how to determine which fuel you should choose at the Amherst gas station.

• Unless your vehicle requires premium gas, it will not provide a performance boost.
• If the manufacturer recommends premium gas for your vehicle, the use of regular gas typically will not harm the car. However, if you notice engine knocking when you use regular gasoline, switching to premium is highly recommended.
• If your vehicle utilizes turbochargers, premium gas may be a necessity.

Learn More with Basil Resale Sheridan Today

If you have any additional questions about premium vs. regular gas, the team at Basil Resale Sheridan would be more than happy to answer them for you. Contact us at your earliest convenience for details. We would be delighted to assist you with all of your car care needs.