Meineke Car Care Centers Virginia

Fuel Grades at the Pump: What You Need to Know

Understanding Fuel Grades at the Gas Station: Is Premium Really the Best?

Taking care of our beautiful beaches here in Virginia Beach requires beach replenishment when our oceanfront sand gage reads low from storms and tides. And the same replenishment is necessary for our cars and trucks when the gas gage reads low. But, when you pull up to the pump at your local gas station, you’re presented with a few choices: regular, mid-grade, and premium fuel grades. And each fuel grade has a different price point, leaving many drivers wondering if premium is worth the extra cost and if it’s the best option for their car or truck.

So in this blog the experts at Meineke in Virginia Beach break down the differences in vehicle fuel grades and help you decide which is right for your car or truck.

What Are the Different Fuel Grades?

Fuel grades are distinguished by their octane ratings, a measure of how well the fuel resists “knocking” during combustion. And knocking, or pre-detonation, occurs when the fuel-air mixture in your engine ignites prematurely, potentially causing damage over time.

  • Regular (87 Octane):
    Regular fuel is the most commonly used of the fuel grades, suitable for the majority of vehicles. Because, it offers an affordable option while providing sufficient resistance to knocking in engines designed for lower-octane fuel.
  • Mid-Grade (89 Octane):
    Mid-grade is a step up in octane and is sometimes recommended for vehicles that perform better with slightly higher resistance to knocking. However, it’s less commonly used compared to regular or premium.
  • Premium (91-93 Octane):
    Premium fuel has the highest octane rating and is often marketed as a cleaner and better-performing fuel. But, it’s typically required or recommended for high-performance or luxury vehicles with engines designed to take advantage of higher octane levels.

Is Premium Fuel the Best for Your Car or Truck?

The answer depends on your vehicle’s engine specifications. And to determine this, here’s what you need to know:

  1. For Cars Designed for Regular Fuel:
    If your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends 87 octane, there’s no benefit to using premium fuel. Because your engine isn’t built to take advantage of the higher octane levels. Therefore, you’ll simply be spending more money without any performance or efficiency gains.
  2. For Cars That Recommend Premium Fuel:
    If your vehicle’s manual states that premium is “recommended,” you can likely use regular or mid-grade without significant risk. But, you might experience slightly reduced performance or efficiency.
  3. For Cars That Require Premium Fuel:
    High-performance engines or vehicles with turbochargers often require premium fuel to function as intended. And using lower-octane fuel in these engines can cause knocking, reduce power, and potentially lead to long-term damage.

Does Premium Offer Other Benefits that other Fuel Grades Don’t?

Some drivers believe that premium fuel is “cleaner” or better for their engine. But modern fuels across all grades typically include detergents to keep engines clean. And unless your vehicle’s engine explicitly requires it, premium fuel won’t improve your car’s performance, fuel economy, or longevity.

How to Choose the Right Fuel Grade

  1. Check Your Owner’s Manual:
    Your manufacturer’s recommendations are tailored to your engine’s needs. Or, call Meineke in Virginia Beach to get a recommendation as to which fuel grade is best for your make and model and driving habits.
  2. Consider Your Driving Habits:
    If you tow heavy loads, drive in extreme conditions, or own a performance vehicle, you might benefit from a higher grade.
  3. Experiment With Mid-Grade:
    If your car recommends premium but doesn’t require it, you might find mid-grade strikes a good balance between cost and performance.

Fuel Grades | Meineke Car Care | Virginia Beach, VA

Choosing the right fuel grade depends on your vehicle’s engine and your driving habits.

Premium fuel isn’t inherently better; it’s simply different. So, you can save money by sticking with regular if that’s what your car is designed for. But don’t skimp on premium if your high-performance engine requires it. After all, using the wrong fuel could cost you more in the long run with repairs and reduced performance. And if you have any concerns, stop by Meineke on Laskin Road in Virginia Beach to talk with their ASE certified experts.

If the Meineke on Laskin Road in Virginia Beach is not convenient, check out these other locally-owned Meineke locations in Virginia:

Meineke Car Care in Virginia Beach, VA

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