Choosing the Right Fuel for Your Vehicle


For those that love to pamper your vehicles, one concern is the type of fuel to give it.  Just like an athlete, what a person uses as fuel ultimately determines performance.  The same is true with your vehicle.  When visiting your gas station, you probably have realized that there are more than one choice of fuel available- usually at least 3:  regular gas, plus (or some mid grade fuel level) and super (or high grade level).  If you have ever wondered which type of fuel to use, here are some tips.

Choosing the Right Fuel for Your Vehicle
The difference in gas levels is not only price, it usually depends on octane.  The higher the octane level, usually the higher the grade and the price of the fuel.  When choosing the type of fuel you should use for your vehicle, first consult your owner’s manual.  Don’t go against what your manufacturer advises.  Believe it or not, you can actually do damage to your vehicle by putting in higher octane fuel into a vehicle not configured for it.

Compression Ratio Matters
Engines that perform at higher levels usually have higher compression ratios.  These types of engines require higher octane fuel.  Octane is a measurement of how much fuel can be compressed before it spontaneously ignites.  For instance, in a typical vehicle the compression ration is about 8-1.  A higher octane fuel which is used for higher performing engines can handle the most compression, while a lower octane fuel handles a lower amount of compression.  When you consistently put a higher octane fuel into your vehicle that is made for lower compression ratios, you can actually do harm to the engine.

Remember, check your owner’s manual and follow your manufacturer’s advice.  Not only will you save money on fuel costs, but you can also protect your vehicle’s engine.

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