What is the difference between 87 and 93 octane

Octane stability is greatly affected by the storage conditions. Proper storage can preserve octane for years but improper storage can reduce octane and degrade fuel within weeks. That is why we provide proper storage information on our website. Click here to view our storage recommendations. Special thanks goes to Minnesota State University Mankato, Automotive Engineering Technology students for suggesting the topic of this article.

Fuel Finder Fuel Selector. Tech Corner. Westbrook, and Rajesh J. Fuels and lubricants handbook: technology, properties, performance, and testing. Ter Haar , M. Grifffing , M. Each retailer offers a different blend of additives, used across all grades. When it comes to additives, some hold themselves to a higher standard. They claim that lower concentrations of detergent additive can leave more deposits on engine components, including fuel injectors and intake valves.

This, in turn, can lower engine performance and increase emissions. Engines with a high compression ratio typically require higher octane fuel to achieve its intended level of performance, fuel efficiency and emissions.

While you might save money on gas, your car will be less powerful and fuel-efficient. This can make a huge difference in vehicles with available turbocharged engines. While older vehicles may be susceptible to engine knock when running on low octane fuel, modern ones are equipped with sensors to help prevent knock—and by extension, engine damage.

Is it worth it to pay more for premium? Here are a handful of helpful facts to guide your choice at the pump:. Engineers at auto manufacturers prescribe premium gas because certain kinds of engines operate optimally with higher-octane fuel. Cars that require premium gasoline have high-compression engines, turbochargers, and other high-performance aspects. Your car can get plaque build-up from gasoline deposits.

If you have an older, heavier car, SUV, or truck with high-performance engines and you are experiencing engine knock, try using premium gas for a few fills to see if that fixes the problem, even if the vehicle does not call for it. What qualifies as premium gas varies from state to state. So pay attention if you are on a cross-country road-trip or crossing state lines.

One state may require a minimum octane rating of 92 to be considered premium, while another may only require Gas stations in the United States generally offer three octane grades: regular usually 87 octane , mid-grade usually 89 octane , and premium usually 91 or But advanced electronics can adjust the timing and work around it in the form of knock sensors, which can detect small vibrations in the block and adjust settings to lessen potential damage.

What AAA found out was that premium gasoline in a car designed for regular didn't produce better fuel economy, reduce pollution, or make your car go faster—in short, all it did was take a bit more of your money. Join Now. New Cars. Car Culture. Type keyword s to search.

Today's Top Stories. R for Getty Images. Sometimes in life, we are just wracked with choices.