Fuel price is often the reason we buy low octane fuel instead of buying mid-grade or high octane fuel. Instead of buying because of the price, we should consider a few other good reasons. All vehicles have an owner’s manual that tells what fuel is recommended for that particular vehicle. Since our car is our second most expensive investment in our lives, we should consider the manufacturer’s advice.

The octane level number refers to the burning properties in the fuel, the higher the number the cleaner and faster the fuel will burn. Most of the automobiles made today are made for 87 octane but recommend 89 or even 91 octane for optimum performance. For most average drivers it makes no difference whether they use 87 or higher octane. For drivers putting on large numbers of miles each year the higher octane fuel will keep their vehicle running smoother longer. The higher octane also burns cleaner so there is less buildup in the fuel injection system. This is another reason higher usage car owners should buy the higher octane. Sports car owners should also use the higher octane fuels to maintain optimum performance. For cost effectiveness when fuel prices are high, most of us can use the 87 octane and suffer no ill effects.

According to Car and Driver magazine “for most cars there is no compelling reason to buy more expensive fuel than the factory recommends, as any performance gain realized will surely be far less than the percentage hike in price. Cheapskates burning regular in cars designed to run on premium fuel can expect to trim performance by about the same percent they save at the pump. ”

Another option to buying high octane fuel is to run a good fuel injector cleaner or gas additive to help remove the buildup left by lower octane fuels. See the folks at Good Works Auto Repair for recommended cleaners and additives. These additives can be run once a month to boost your fuel economy and overall engine performance.

Using the right fuel can save time and money in the future by keeping our vehicle’s engine running smoothly.