Filling up your car at the gas station can sometimes be an enigma. With all the different fuel grades on offer, you might wonder what type of gasoline your vehicle actually needs. Acura of Sherman Oaks is here to answer that question and help you determine which grade of gas is best for your Acura car. Let’s explain the basics of gas grades and how they apply to your vehicle.
What Do the Different Grades of Gas Mean?
Each gas selection at the pump features a number, which refers to the octane level of the gas. Octane is a measurement of the gasoline’s internal resistance to combustion; the higher the octane, the more resistance. Gasoline with higher octane costs more per gallon.
Typically, you’ll see lower octane gasoline referred to as “regular” or “medium,” whereas higher octane gas is “premium.” In addition to higher octane, some premium gasoline may have special additives designed for increasing fuel economy and keeping your gas tank and engine clean.
So How Do I Know I’m Using the Right Gas for My Acura Car?
Some drivers may be tempted to avoid premium for the expense, while others might gravitate toward it for a perceived performance boost. These may not be the best options for your vehicle.
Today, car manufacturers design engines with a specific grade of fuel in mind. They do all their testing and benchmarking with that fuel, and while other grades of gasoline will work, it’s not what the manufacturer had in mind. An engine designed for low-octane won’t perform better on high-octane gas, but one designed for higher-octane fuel will suffer if you try to fill it with the cheap stuff, so use the recommended fuel grade specified by your owner’s manual.
We at Acura of Sherman Oaks are experts at everything regarding your Acura car. Contact us today to learn more about maintaining your vehicle.
