The debate over whether to use regular, mid-grade, or premium gas has perplexed drivers for decades. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of mid-grade gas, its benefits, and its drawbacks, drawing upon information from reputable sources such as Metromile, CNET, and TrueCar.
Key Facts
- Mid-grade gas has slightly more additives than regular gas, but the results won’t be noticeably better.
- Most car manufacturers do not suggest using mid-grade gas unless your vehicle specifically requires it.
- Mid-grade gas is a blend of regular and premium gas, created by mixing the two fuels at the pump.
- If your car is rated for mid-grade gas, you may save money by blending your own. You can dispense some from the regular pump and the rest from the premium pump to achieve the desired octane level.
- Premium gas has a higher octane rating (often 91 or 93) compared to regular gas (rated at 87 octane in most states).
- Engines with high compression ratios or turbochargers often require high octane fuel found in premium gas for optimal performance and fuel efficiency.
- If your car does not require premium gas, there is no benefit to using it. Using a higher-octane gasoline than recommended by your owner’s manual offers no improvement in performance, mileage, or engine cleanliness.
- The detergent additives in gasoline are more important than the octane level. Some gas station brands, like Chevron, use the same additives in both regular and premium gas.
- If your car requires premium gas, it is important to use it to achieve the intended level of performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions.
- Modern vehicles with sensors and engine computers can adjust to lower octane levels, but using a lower grade of fuel than recommended may result in decreased horsepower, MPG, and increased CO2 emissions.
Defining Mid-Grade Gas
Mid-grade gas, also known as “plus” or “super” gas, is a blend of regular and premium gas. It typically has an octane rating between 88 and 90, making it a middle ground between the two. The octane rating measures a fuel’s resistance to knocking or pre-ignition, which can damage an engine.
Additives in Mid-Grade Gas
Mid-grade gas often contains slightly more additives than regular gas. These additives are designed to clean the engine and improve performance. However, the results of these additives are often negligible and may not be noticeable to the average driver.
Car Manufacturer Recommendations
Most car manufacturers do not suggest using mid-grade gas unless your vehicle specifically requires it. This is because the majority of cars on the road today are optimized to run on regular gas. Using mid-grade gas in a vehicle that does not require it will not provide any additional benefits and may even be detrimental to the engine.
Creating Your Own Mid-Grade Gas
If your car is rated for mid-grade gas, you may save money by blending your own. You can dispense some gas from the regular pump and the rest from the premium pump to achieve the desired octane level. However, it is important to note that this method may not be as precise as getting mid-grade gas directly from the pump.
Benefits of Premium Gas
Premium gas has a higher octane rating than regular gas, which can provide benefits for engines with high compression ratios or turbochargers. These engines require high octane fuel to achieve optimal performance and fuel efficiency.
Drawbacks of Premium Gas
If your car does not require premium gas, there is no benefit to using it. In fact, using a higher-octane gasoline than recommended by your owner’s manual offers no improvement in performance, mileage, or engine cleanliness. Additionally, premium gas is typically more expensive than regular gas.
Importance of Detergent Additives
The detergent additives in gasoline are more important than the octane level. These additives help clean the engine and optimize performance. Some gas station brands, like Chevron, use the same additives in both regular and premium gas.
When to Use Premium Gas
If your car requires premium gas, it is important to use it to achieve the intended level of performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions. Modern vehicles with sensors and engine computers can adjust to lower octane levels, but using a lower grade of fuel than recommended may result in decreased horsepower, MPG, and increased CO2 emissions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mid-grade gas is a blend of regular and premium gas with a slightly higher octane rating. It is not necessary for most vehicles and may not provide any noticeable benefits. If your car does not require premium gas, there is no advantage to using it. The detergent additives in gasoline are more important than the octane level, and some gas station brands use the same additives in both regular and premium gas. If your car requires premium gas, it is important to use it to achieve the intended level of performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions.
References
- https://www.metromile.com/blog/choosing-premium-or-regular-gas/
- https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/the-myth-of-midgrade-gas/
- https://www.truecar.com/blog/premium-vs-regular-gas/
FAQs
What is mid-grade gas?
Mid-grade gas is a blend of regular and premium gas, typically with an octane rating between 88 and 90.
Does mid-grade gas provide better performance than regular gas?
Not necessarily. Most car manufacturers recommend regular gas for their vehicles. Mid-grade gas may provide a slight performance boost in some high-performance engines, but the difference is often negligible.
Is mid-grade gas better for my car?
Not unless your car specifically requires it. Using mid-grade gas in a vehicle that does not require it will not provide any additional benefits and may even be detrimental to the engine.
Can I save money by blending my own mid-grade gas?
Possibly. If your car is rated for mid-grade gas, you may be able to save money by blending regular and premium gas at the pump. However, this method may not be as precise as getting mid-grade gas directly from the pump.
When should I use premium gas?
You should use premium gas only if your car specifically requires it. Premium gas has a higher octane rating than regular gas, which can provide benefits for engines with high compression ratios or turbochargers.
What are the benefits of using premium gas?
Premium gas can provide benefits such as improved performance, better fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions in vehicles that require it. However, these benefits are not noticeable in most vehicles.
What are the drawbacks of using premium gas?
Premium gas is typically more expensive than regular gas. Using premium gas in a vehicle that does not require it will not provide any additional benefits and may even be detrimental to the engine.
What is more important: octane rating or detergent additives?
Detergent additives are more important than octane rating. Detergent additives help clean the engine and optimize performance. Some gas station brands use the same additives in both regular and premium gas.