Gas stations offer different octane ratings on their gasoline. Octane ratings from 87 to 92 are there for customers, but many don’t know which choice is best. Reading your vehicle’s manual helps, but have you ever wondered why one octane is better for your car than another? According to About.com, there are a number of things to consider, so enjoy the following summary.
Are you picking the right octane rating?
A gasoline’s octane rating measures the degree of resistance to knocking. The knocking sound is the result of premature ignition of the gasoline-air mixture. The number associated with the octane rating comes when gasoline is compared to the substances isooctane and heptane. Isooctane has a “perfect” 100 octane rating, when heptane sits at the low end, namely zero. According to About.com, untouched gasoline has an octane rating of about 70 (70 percent isooctane, 30 percent heptane). Adding lead to gasoline used to be the common method for combating knocks and pings, but that was changed by unleaded gas with more costly anti-knocking compounds.
Is it as simple as using higher octane gas?
Older car engines depended upon the carburetor to control the air/gasoline mix, so higher octane rating gas was helpful. More advanced engines became common in the mid-1980s, and fuel injectors took over the carburetor role. The standard unleaded fuel in the U.S. became 87 octane. This worked well with the new engines and didn’t risk damaging the emissions system.
What about mid-grade?
A little details about U.S. octane ratings is in order here. From state to state, the octane rating for 87, 89 or 92 versus whether the gasoline is basic, plus or premium grade varies greatly. One state may require a minimum octane rating of 92 for premium, when one more might allow 90. Check your owner’s manual and watch for the octane rating on the yellow sticker at the pump.
What about premium gasoline?
If your automobile requires a higher octane rating, it’s because you have a high-performance engine to work with. High-performance engines are highly efficient, as opposed to lower grade engines that waste more fuel. As an addendum, it should also be noted that some large cities require reformulated gasoline. Oxygen-infused and environmentally conscious, this fuel burns in a cleaner fashion. Simply stay away from driving with too little fuel within the tank, as that will dirty the intake valves and filters and hamper efficiency. Nobody wants that.
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