Consider These 5 Things When Choosing What Type Of Gas Goes In Your Car

 

5. What Type Of Gas Is Recommended For Your Vehicle?

Chances are that your vehicle is just fine with the cheapest option at the gas pump. However, it's worth checking to be sure. With modern engines coming with higher compression ratios and turbochargers, the recommendation for premium fuel is more common than it once was. Check your owner's manual to confirm what type of gas should be used in your specific vehicle.

 

4. What Is The Octane Rating?

In Oregon and most other places that aren't at high elevations, you'll recognize the octane rating as those three numbers at the pump. A minimum octane rating of 87 is the most affordable with 91 representing the midgrade and premium fuel comes at a minimum octane rating of 93. So, what's the difference? If you drive one of the millions of vehicles recommended to run on regular fuel, the only difference for you is the price. There is no measurable benefit to 'treating' your car to a tank of premium fuel.

However, if you drive something like the new 2020 Toyota GR Supra that requires premium fuel, that's what should be used. The higher compression ratio of these engines could knock and run into other trouble with gas that has a lower octane rating.

3. Is Gas The Same No Matter Which Station You Get It From?

It is true that most gasoline in a given region likely came from the same refinery. However, that's before a vast network of vendors and suppliers get ahold of the gas, which is eventually stored in a wide range of conditions. Gas stations and other storage facilities that have not been adequately maintained put the gasoline at risk of water contamination and other potential problems.

 

2. Gasoline & Additives

There are a variety of fuel additives you can buy anywhere from the franchise auto parts store to the big box store just down the road. But did you know that much of the gas you get from reputable gas stations already has additives for keeping your engine and its exhaust clean? This is often referred to as Top Tier Gas, and that's what you should use in your vehicle. It's the type of gas you can expect to get at most name brand gas stations. Some places might try to up-sell additives in their gas, but newer and low-mileage engines probably don't need the additional additives.

1. Symptoms Of Bad Gas In Your Car

It's quite rare to get bad gas today, but it does still happen. Bad gas is most likely gas that has been contaminated with water. Depending on the level of contamination, you may notice a drop in fuel economy or something more serious like an engine that won't start or run reliably. There are fuel additives with isopropyl alcohol that can help the engine deal with the water in the fuel. If that doesn't solve the issue, your best bet is to let the pros take care of it. There's a chance that the entire fuel system will need to be completely cleaned out.