The summer travel season is here, and potential road trippers are experiencing conflicting feelings: the urge to travel and pain at the pump. Gas prices are making records this summer, and whether you’re trying to afford your daily work commute or planning a vacation, you’re likely seeking ways to save. Now, more than ever, drivers are becoming aware of different gasoline options (and the varied prices) to put in cars. If you’re accustomed to springing for a higher-priced gas type, you may be tempted to change the fuel you use.
Before you consider putting the cheapest fuel in your vehicle, it’s important to understand the different types of gas available and why so many options exist. You might find that making the wrong choice could cost you more in the long run.
Types of Gas and Gasoline Prices
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t know that much about gasoline. Premium sounds like it must be better in some way and the prices certainly indicate that it has something that other options don’t. Yet, it still might not be the best choice for your particular vehicle. So, if you’re wondering if you’re using the right type of gas for your vehicle, it’s time to take a crash course in gasoline types.
Regular
Typically 87 octanes, regular gas is the cheapest option in terms of gasoline prices and is the standard for many modern vehicles.
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Mid-Grade
With 88 to 90 octane, mid-grade gas is designed for vehicles that need more power for a specific reason. This may include certain sports or luxury cars, SUVs, or trucks.
Premium
Usually 91 to 94 octane, premium gas is usually the highest octane available. Some vehicles designed for high-performance and classic cars may need premium fuel to run as intended.
Diesel Fuel
Diesel fuel is not the same as regular gasoline. Gas and diesel engines operate differently, and the types of fuel for these engines must not interchange. Diesel engines are designed to use more torque to carry heavy loads but have less horsepower than their gas counterparts. The most common passenger vehicles that require diesel fuel are heavy-duty trucks or vans with increased towing capacity.
Flex Fuel
Some vehicles are designed to run on a gasoline/ethanol blend of up to 85% ethanol. This blend is referred to as flex-fuel or E85. Flex-fuel vehicles usually have a yellow gas cap. Gas stations clearly label the pumps and usually have yellow nozzles indicating gasoline prices and types. While flex-fuel vehicles can run on any octane gas, putting E85 into a car not designed for it can cause damage.
Ethanol-Free Gas
Also called recreational fuel or REC 90, ethanol-free gas is 90 octane gas that isn’t blended with alcohol. While vehicles don’t require ethanol-free gas, some cars get better gas mileage and increased fuel economy with it. Yet, since it’s considerably more expensive, the price will likely offset the improved fuel economy. Certain outdoor power equipment, marine equipment, and small engines might require ethanol-free gas. It’s important to check your owner’s manual when purchasing gas for these types of equipment.
How Do I Know What Type of Gas Is Right for My Car?
The best way to decide what type of gas to use for your vehicle is to check your owner’s manual. Different types of gas exist to provide optimal performance for all types of vehicles. Many modern vehicles run on standard gas. While a higher octane gas won’t hurt these vehicles, it most likely won’t improve their performance, either. If you’re buying premium gas when your vehicle manufacturer recommends regular, you’re probably overspending for no reason. However, using a lower octane gas than your car requires can reduce engine performance and even cause damage to your engine over time.
What Happens if I Use the Wrong Kind of Gas in Terms of Gasoline Prices?
It depends. If you use a higher octane gas than recommended for your vehicle, you won’t experience any change at all. However, if you use fuel with a lower octane level than your vehicle requires, you could experience reduced horsepower, lower fuel economy, and damage to your engine. There are other mistakes that can yield much bigger problems. For instance, putting E85 in a non-flex fuel car will cause reduced performance and will cause the check engine light to come on.
Over time, E85 could cause damage to the fuel lines of some vehicles. While it’s a rare mistake, putting diesel in a vehicle with a case motor or vice versa will cause the most damage. If you put gas in a vehicle with a diesel engine, the vehicle won’t run. Even worse, you could cause catastrophic engine failure.
How Can I Save at the Pump With High Gasoline Prices?
If you’re paying for premium gas when your car doesn’t require it, you could see significant savings simply by switching to regular fuel. Further, if you’re considering a new car purchase, shopping around for a vehicle known for fuel economy can help ease pain at the pump. If you can’t afford a new car, keeping your current vehicle properly maintained will help you achieve top fuel economy.
When gas prices are rising practically every week, saving money any way you can is worth the effort. Knowing the type of gasoline your car uses can clear up any confusion about the price when you fill-up. Take a moment to examine your owner’s manual to see what type of fuel you need. If you’ve been springing for premium gas when your car can run on standard, you can save a few dollars each time you get gas.
Learn More About Combatting High Gasoline Prices
Most insurance policies don’t cover accidentally fueling up with the wrong gasoline type. However, your independent insurance agent might be able to offer riders that do cover the incident. Know your car’s requirements, pay attention when filling up at the pump, and talk to your insurance agent to learn the details of your insurance policy.
Whether you’re hoping to purchase a vehicle that gets better gas mileage or improve the condition of a vehicle you already own, having the right amount of auto insurance coverage is essential. Contact the independent agents at LoPriore to learn more about auto insurance to fit your lifestyle.
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