Should you buy more expensive gas?
October 26, 2009 by Jennifer Chait
Filed under automotive
Gas stations and car manufacturers push the benefits of higher octane, premium brands, and also more expensive gas all the time. Supporters say using higher octane gas or a special brand will make your car run better and keep everything in tip top shape, but will it? Should you shell out the extra cash for the best type of gas?
In a word no. Your car manual may tell you to buy premium or a specific higher octane brand but you can safely ignore that recommendation. CBS Money Watch and AAA are just two of the many outlets who have called this out as a myth. CBS notes, “Unless you have a job that requires regular sessions on a racetrack, there is no legitimate need to ever put premium fuel in your vehicle… Your engine’s fuel-management system is perfectly prepared to handle lower-octane fuel.”
AAA notes that fuel is basically fuel no matter the brand. If you’re fueling up at the local mom & pop shop or a high profile gas station, you’re most likely getting exactly the same brand of gas in your tank. This is not a huge shock because the EPA mandates that all unleaded contain the same detergents to keep the gas cleaner. Since most gas comes from the same sources, gas stations buy from those said sources – i.e. it’s not as if each gas station has their own mix of gas from some specialty source.
Also consider this; when you buy cheaper gas you’re doing your wallet and the planet a favor. Aromatics, harmful pollutants, are added to high octane gasoline – so really, why not save a few bucks when you fill up.
[image via stock.xchng]
Interesting read. Thanks!