OT - Gas, which grade do you use?

[DaddyChoc]

Regular, Mid-Level or Premium... 87 91 or 93

I use "regular" in my 2012 Nissan Maxima (4yrs)... but many are suggesting I use premium.

I don't drive much so I tank can last me 3-4wks easy. (could walk to work but too lazy)

How about you?

 

[RegisteredUconn]

Regular. Whatever grade keeps the valves from pinging is fine. If you get better mileage from premium, you could to check the relative value of the different grades by getting the miles per dollar. Years ago, when I was driving more, I got more miles per dollar and used premium even though the engine didn't require it. Back then, a difference of about 5 cents per gallon or less gave me better value.

 

[vtcwbuff]

I use the grade recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

 

[Rayvin56]

Use what the manufacturer designed the engine for. Higher octane gas is less explosive due to the anti detonation additives and is required by higher compression engines to prevent pinging (gas/air mixture exploding before it's supposed to). To use premium gas on a low compression engine designed for regular is not only a waste of $$ but will keep the engine from delivering optimal power.
With a 10.6 to 1 compression ratio, the Maxima should be running premium (at least 91 octane) to prevent pinging.

 

[DaddyChoc]

I use the grade recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

what is recommended for you, you're not gonna get in trouble

Use what the manufacturer designed the engine for. Higher octane gas is less explosive due to the anti detonation additives and is required by higher compression engines to prevent pinging (gas/air mixture exploding before it's supposed to). To use premium gas on a low compression engine designed for regular is not only a waste of $$ but will keep the engine from delivering optimal power.

like hearing the "reverse" consequence of putting expensive gas in a "regular" car, thanks

 

[ctfjr]

93 octane - I have a modified STI that I occasionally track.

 

[Bliss]

I use the factory-recommended 91 octane in my '04 supercharged V6 Monte Carlo but she really prefers 93. My '77 Monte 350 c.i. V8, Big Blue, likes mid-grade but runs okay on 87 octane.

 

[Rayvin56]

93 in our PT Cruiser GT, 93 in our Stratoliner, and diesel in our MB Sprinter RV. I'd use 91 but all I can find around the Fort Myers area is 87, 89, and 93.

 

[Kaizen]

Regular, Mid-Level or Premium... 87 91 or 93

I use "regular" in my 2012 Nissan Maxima (4yrs)... but many are suggesting I use premium.

I don't drive much so I tank can last me 3-4wks easy. (could walk to work but too lazy)

How about you?

I have a 2012 Nissan Maxima too. The dealer suggested Premium so I use Premium since day one.

 

[Icebear]

I use the grade recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

Same here because the engine is engineered/designed to work best on a particular grade.

 

[Ukonnfan]

FWIW...Back in the late 70's I took a free adult education class in the winter (yea, i'm old). Small engine repair it was. I was cold and bored in the winter, so it was something to do that could pass the time till spring.

It just so happened that the instructor was one of the guys that helped build one of the early electronic diagnostic computers that told you all kinds of information regarding a car engine. What cylinder oil ring was worn for example, .... all kinds of info. To much to remember. This was when the computer diagnostic systems in your car you have now was in its infancy I guess. He was an engineer from Hamilton Standard or some place like that. Very bright and personable.
Someone asked him if it was better to run regular or high octane gas in ones car. Well, he very thoroughly went through the effects of higher octane gas on ones car in regards to everything one could imagine in or on a car. From bumper to bumper. Wrote it all out longhand on the chalkboard. It was awesome. Filled the big chalkboard. This guy was brilliant. He spelled it out clear as could be, to the penny; it was cheaper to run high octane gas (93) at the pump than the 87 octane. He had done this before, and proved it without a doubt. I never would have believed it beforehand. Yep, I run it in all my cars always. If your keeping your car for more than a year or so, run high octane. I believe it's cheaper. It was proved to me. I saw the math.

 

[vtcwbuff]

FWIW...Back in the late 70's I took a free adult education class in the winter (yea, i'm old). Small engine repair it was. I was cold and bored in the winter, so it was something to do that could pass the time till spring.

It just so happened that the instructor was one of the guys that helped build one of the early electronic diagnostic computers that told you all kinds of information regarding a car engine. What cylinder oil ring was worn for example, .... all kinds of info. To much to remember. This was when the computer diagnostic systems in your car you have now was in its infancy I guess. He was an engineer from Hamilton Standard or some place like that. Very bright and personable.
Someone asked him if it was better to run regular or high octane gas in ones car. Well, he very thoroughly went through the effects of higher octane gas on ones car in regards to everything one could imagine in or on a car. From bumper to bumper. Wrote it all out longhand on the chalkboard. It was awesome. Filled the big chalkboard. This guy was brilliant. He spelled it out clear as could be, to the penny; it was cheaper to run high octane gas (93) at the pump than the 87 octane. He had done this before, and proved it without a doubt. I never would have believed it beforehand. Yep, I run it in all my cars always. If your keeping your car for more than a year or so, run high octane. I believe it's cheaper. It was proved to me. I saw the math.

Yeah, but you saw the math 40 years ago.

 

[FairView]

I use regular in my Accord and my wife uses Premium in her G 35. Each is what the manufacturer recommends.
My previous car, a 1995 Prelude that I loved and drove until it died, used premium per manufacturer recommendations. I tried using regular during one of the gas price increases, but it pinged and was not as responsive and smooth. So in my case, it did make a difference. God, I loved that car. Nothing spectacular, but just right.

 

[DogWarden]

The cheapest gas I can find.

 

[TDiNozzo]

I run regular in a big 03 Avalanche with about 240,000 miles... Got 20 mpg new... get 20 mpg now Bought new plugs for it at 100,000 miles but still carry them under the back seat... It's not broke, so I'm savin the fix....
Ok... I'm tooo lazy to change them.

 

[DaddyChoc]

I have a 2012 Nissan Maxima too. The dealer suggested Premium so I use Premium since day one.

I'm gonna try premium to see if I notice the difference... once I run this tank-full out

 

[DaddyChoc]

I use regular in my Accord and my wife uses Premium in her G 35. Each is what the manufacturer recommends.
My previous car, a 1995 Prelude that I loved and drove until it died, used premium per manufacturer recommendations. I tried using regular during one of the gas price increases, but it pinged and was not as responsive and smooth. So in my case, it did make a difference. God, I loved that car. Nothing spectacular, but just right.

I had to use premium on my 86' Ford Mustang LX in 92... anything else would make the car sound like someone was playing drums under the hood

 

[DaddyChoc]

Yeah, but you saw the math 40 years ago.

that's what I think... "carryover facts" from wayyyyyyy back when

 

[VAUConnFan]

Regular, Mid-Level or Premium... 87 91 or 93

I use "regular" in my 2012 Nissan Maxima (4yrs)... but many are suggesting I use premium.

I don't drive much so I tank can last me 3-4wks easy. (could walk to work but too lazy)

How about you?

Do not waste your money on premium gasoline. Octane is abut compression ratios, not about quality.

 

[Drumguy]

I have a BMW 428x and use the highest octane at the pump 93 or 91. I get over 30mpg (averaging around 32) in town and car runs beautifully. BMW recommends the higher octane.

For the poster who replied "cheapest gas possible" I get a kick out of people that spend a gallon of gas trying to save $.03/gallon. Time is money.

 

[geneticrex]

87 octane in my Dodge Dakota for under $2 a gallon. About 17mpg combined city/highway.

117 octane VP Race Fuel C-16 in my 70' Cuda' at over $20 a gallon. About 5mpg (street).

120 octane Q-16, or 113 octane C-25 VP Race Fuel in my 70' Dart, at over $20 a gallon for either. About 7mpg (street).

 

[Sargassoc]

Diesel

 

[BroadwayVa]

Regular, Mid-Level or Premium... 87 91 or 93

I use "regular" in my 2012 Nissan Maxima (4yrs)... but many are suggesting I use premium.

I don't drive much so I tank can last me 3-4wks easy. (could walk to work but too lazy)

How about you?

Use the EPA index for MPG for your car and engine. They are excellent. If you note the Ethanol percentages vs straight gasoline (regardless of octane) you will see that the corn built from Ethanol delivers 10 to 20 percent less MPG than gasoline alone. So why did they mandate Ethanol---ask the corn growers!!
You and you alone will see the difference (if any) when you use 87 Octane or higher--it depends on your driving style and if you need lots of get up and go (and only race car drivers do) and they use ether and alcohol (some about drinking it makes the need for a faster car.

 

[DaddyChoc]

Do not waste your money on premium gasoline. Octane is abut compression ratios, not about quality.

thats what I feel, if I drove 50 miles each way I'd think premium would be worth it but my 4k a year isnt worth it... dont see the need and the impact it wout have on the engine.

Has there been any studies to show the huge difference if any?

 

[DaddyChoc]

I have a BMW 428x and use the highest octane at the pump 93 or 91. I get over 30mpg (averaging around 32) in town and car runs beautifully. BMW recommends the higher octane.

For the poster who replied "cheapest gas possible" I get a kick out of people that spend a gallon of gas trying to save $.03/gallon. Time is money.

going 20 miles out of your way to save "a nickel a gallon" doesn't make any sense at all.

all my gas stops are timed and carefully calculated