So you have finally purchased that luxury or exotic automobile that you have been dreaming of all of your life, and now you might be pondering whether premium gas is really required. Premium generally costs 10-20% more per gallon, and surely it would be acceptable if you filled up with regular once in a while, right?
The majority of luxury cars do require premium fuel. What determines the type of gas you will need is your engine's compression rate. For the most part, autos with a higher level of horsepower (and a higher level of performance) require higher octane level while more sedate, slower, family type cars don't. What it boils down to is if you demand a great deal of speed and superior performance, you're going to have to pay a bit extra at the pump.
There are four different octane grades available. Premium gas generally has an octane rating of 91 or 92 (depending which U.S state you are in) while standard fuel has one of 87 and mid-grade comes in at around 89. The main issue with utilizing standard gas in a vehicle that requires premium is that it could potentially damage your vehicle's engine. There is a major difference in the manufacturer recommending high octane fuel instead of absolutely requiring it. If it's merely recommended, then using regular gas will not hurt your engine; it will only lessen performance in terms of less than half a second when it comes to acceleration.
A few luxury cars that were produced in recent years such as the MKZ from Lincoln and the STS by Cadillac utilize regular unleaded fuel. A few drivers may be under the impression that using more expensive gas will clean out their engine more efficiently or make their vehicles run faster, but they are mistaken. However, if your car does require the expensive type of gas and if you fail to follow the recommended guidelines, you might hear noises called "pinging" or "knocking" when you are driving at a high rate of speed. This noise is the result of the fuel and air combusting on an uneven basis, and this could lead to damage over a long period of time. Upgrading to the correct grade of fuel will usually get rid of the noise and if it doesn't, chances are that your vehicle needs some type of repair, and it would be a good idea to visit a mechanic. Therefore, it's crucial to follow the manufacturers recommendations for your auto.
If you want your luxury auto to last for a long time, you will need to fill her up with the correct grade of fuel. The difference in cost between premium and gas boils is around 20 cents a gallon, or a few hundred dollars a year depending on how often you drive. It is a well-known reality that luxury cars usually cost more money to maintain and service versus regular cars. The bottom line is that if you can afford an expensive vehicle, you should be able to afford to fill her with the fuel she needs. So regardless of whether you drive a Mercedes, Infiniti or Jaguar, remember to follow the guidelines set forth by the manufacturer in order to keep it in good running condition.
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Written by Jacqueline Star: If you are interested in gorgeous Infiniti cars, visit
Used Cars Houston, or if you are in the Bay Area visit
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