Premium vs. Regular Gas: What’s the Difference?

 
If you have recently upgraded your automotive experience with a new Bentley, you are likely looking for ways to optimize your performance on the San Antonio streets. To that end, you may be curious about the difference between premium and regular gas. When you shop with us at Bentley Austin, our mission is to serve you at every step, so we have compared premium vs. regular gas for your convenience. Our service team is here to teach you which fuel type will help you take over the Dallas streets with thunderous performance below. 

What is Premium Gasoline? 

There are a number of similarities between premium and regular gasoline, such as being made from crude oil. However, as with most things, the devil is in the details. This adage rings true when comparing premium vs. regular gas. Octane level is the marked difference between the two fuel types. Typically, premium gasoline will have an octane level at or above 90. Premium gasoline works to keep your engine smoother for finer performance and diminished pollution. 

What is Regular Unleaded Gasoline? 

Regular unleaded gasoline is the type of fuel you are most likely familiar with. Regular unleaded fuel has an octane rating of 87, which indicates how well the fuel combats mistimed combustion. Unleaded is perfectly appropriate for most vehicles on the Austin streets, and is safer than any fuel that contains lead.  

The Difference Between Premium and Regular Gas

While premium and regular gas may seem similar due to close octane ratings, there are actually a number of factors that set the two apart:

• Octane Rating: A higher octane rating indicates a lower chance of engine knocking, which can ultimately damage your vehicle. Also known as pre-ignition, engine knocking is less common in vehicles that utilize premium gasoline. 
• Engine Suitability: Regular gasoline burns faster than premium gas, which makes it more suitable for engines with low compression ratios. Engines with higher compression ratios pair well with premium gasoline. 
• Price: Premium gas and premium performance come with a small price bump. Sometimes, premium gasoline can be 20 to 40 cents more expensive per gallon than unleaded fuel. 

Before you determine which fuel you will select at your next pit stop, keep the following in mind:

• If your vehicle doesn’t require premium gas, using it will not boost the performance or lifespan of your car. 
• If you drive a model that requires premium gas, using regular unleaded in a pinch will typically not harm your vehicle. If you hear any engine knocking, it is best to switch back over to premium whenever possible. 
• If your vehicle uses a turbocharged engine, premium gas may be required. 

Contact the Bentley Austin Service Center Today

Looking for more information on the difference between premium and regular gas? Contact us at Bentley Austin to discover thoughtful answers to all of your automotive questions. Our team will be glad to compare premium vs. regular gas to help you get the most out of your Bentley. Visit us near Houston for uncompromising service and hospitality.