When you purchase a new car, you want to keep it in top shape for as long as possible. In addition to driving responsibly and performing routine maintenance, it is important to use the right kind of gas in your car.
How can you choose the right gas for your car? Read our guide!
Premium vs. Unleaded Gas
When you purchase a new Lexus for sale and head to the pumps, you probably notice there is more than one type of gas for you to choose from. Understanding the difference between premium and unleaded gas is essential for making the right decision for your car.
They differ in their basic makeup. Premium gas has more additives that help to minimize emissions and keep your engine cleaner. Unleaded gas uses a flammable byproduct and is the most common type of gasoline used in cars.
Whether you should use premium or unleaded depends on your engine’s life expectancy. Since unleaded gas burns quicker, it’s best for engines that have a low compression ratio. On the other hand, premium gas is best for engines with high compression ratios or that have turbocharging features.
National Brands vs. Local Gas Stations
Many new car owners wonder if they should stick to name-brand gas stations or if they can use the smaller gas stations that are near their houses. There are more than 100,000 gas stations in the United States and the truth is that they really aren’t that different.
All gas stations receive their gas in the same way, as raw fuel from a regional distribution center. The stations then blend it into their own combination of additives that help your vehicle run cleaner. The EPA regulates these additives via the Clean Air Act, which means that blends don’t vary all that much and you aren’t necessarily getting better gas from a well-known name brand.
Knowing Whether You Need Premium Fuel
The easiest way to determine if your car needs premium fuel is to look at the owner’s manual. It will tell you if premium fuel is required and, if so, whether you need 91 or 93 octane gas.
If your manufacturer does specify that you need to use premium fuel, you should always do so.
If you don’t, your car will lack power and have a lower fuel economy, which could mean that you spend more money on gas in the long run.
Purchasing Gas at a High Altitude
One thing to consider is the altitude at which you’re purchasing your fuel. When driving in high altitudes, manufacturers recommend purchasing gas according to the numbers. If your car recommends that you use 87 octane, for example, that is what you should use, even if it means you’re purchasing a different grade of fuel than you usually do.
Keep in mind that you may not find the high-octane fuel you need if your car requires premium, so plan accordingly when traveling through areas at a higher altitude. Buy the closest octane you can find to your minimum quality needs if you absolutely must fuel in high-altitude areas.
Choose the Right Gas for Your Car
Choosing the right gas for your car is helpful for a number of reasons. It will help your car to run more efficiently, which means that you’ll save money on fuel and on repairs to your car as well.
