
The majority of cars run on gasoline, a refined petroleum distillate. Regular unleaded gas is the lowest octane fuel at typically an 87 level and is suitable for most cars. Mid-grade is the middle-range fuel at usually an 89 octane level. Premium is the highest-octane fuel you can buy and has levels of 91-94. E85 is an exciting fuel that is just 15% real gasoline. The other 85% is plant-based, renewable ethanol.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Type of fuel | Gasoline |
Octane level | 87 (Regular unleaded), 89 (Mid-grade), 91-94 (Premium) |
Composition | 15% real gasoline, 85% plant-based, renewable ethanol |
Alternative fuels | Liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas, liquid nitrogen |
Performance | Engines designed for regular-octane gas gain little to no benefit from using high-octane fuel |
Damage | Using unleaded gas with octane levels lower than what the carmaker recommends can reduce performance and may cause damage over time |
What You'll Learn
- Regular unleaded gas is the lowest octane fuel at typically an 87 level
- Mid-grade is the middle-range fuel at usually an 89 octane level
- Premium is the highest-octane fuel you can buy and has levels of 91-94
- E85 is an exciting fuel that is just 15% real gasoline
- Flex fuel or E85 is a blend of ethanol and gasoline
Regular unleaded gas is the lowest octane fuel at typically an 87 level
The fundamental rule of car maintenance is to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines in the owner’s manual. It will show the minimum octane level for the vehicle and whether premium gas is recommended or required. Selecting a grade of gasoline simply because it has a higher octane rating might not be the best choice for your car or your budget. While some vehicles can benefit from premium gas, most drivers can save money at the pump by using regular unleaded in their vehicle without sacrificing performance.
Gasoline makes up the majority of options at your local gas station. However, there are other types of fuel as well. Diesel is a different type of fuel obtained from crude oil. Some gas stations offer biodiesel, which comes from vegetable oil. Diesel is more expensive than gasoline, but it allows you to drive longer distances. It only works on vehicles designed to run on diesel fuel. If you use gasoline in a diesel engine, damage will likely occur as gasoline does not ignite properly and burns too quickly, resulting in a very low power output of the diesel engine.
E85 is an exciting fuel that is just 15% real gasoline. The other 85% is plant-based, renewable ethanol. Ethanol has less chemical energy than gasoline, so you can experience reduced fuel economy compared to using pure gasoline. Your car should have a decal or label identifying that it is E85 compatible (also known as flex fuel). Other alternative fuels include liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas, and liquid nitrogen. However, most vehicles are not built to accept these fuels. Electric cars are gaining popularity.
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Mid-grade is the middle-range fuel at usually an 89 octane level
Engines designed for regular-octane gas gain little to no benefit from using high-octane fuel. Using unleaded gas with octane levels lower than what the carmaker recommends can reduce performance and may cause damage over time. Flex fuel or E85 is a blend of ethanol and gasoline, containing 51 – 83% ethanol, depending on the time of year and weather conditions.
Regular unleaded gas is the lowest octane fuel at typically an 87 level and is suitable for most cars. Mid-grade is the middle-range fuel at usually an 89 octane level. Premium is the highest-octane fuel you can buy and has levels of 91-94.
E85 is an exciting fuel that is just 15% real gasoline. The other 85% is plant-based, renewable ethanol. Ethanol has less chemical energy than gasoline, so you can experience reduced fuel economy compared to using pure gasoline.
Your car should have a decal or label identifying that it is E85 compatible. Other alternative fuels include liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas, and liquid nitrogen. However, most vehicles are not built to accept these fuels. Electric cars are gaining popularity.
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Premium is the highest-octane fuel you can buy and has levels of 91-94
Regular unleaded gas is the lowest octane fuel at typically an 87 level and is suitable for most cars. Mid-grade is the middle-range fuel at usually an 89 octane level. Premium is the highest-octane fuel you can buy and has levels of 91-94.
Engines designed for regular-octane gas gain little to no benefit from using high-octane fuel. Using unleaded gas with octane levels lower than what the carmaker recommends can reduce performance and may cause damage over time. Flex fuel or E85 is a blend of ethanol and gasoline, containing 51 – 83% ethanol, depending on the time of year and weather conditions. Always follow your owner’s manual guidance when choosing a type of gas. Selecting a grade of gasoline simply because it has a higher octane rating might not be the best choice for your car or your budget. While some vehicles can benefit from premium gas, most drivers can save money at the pump by using regular unleaded in their vehicle without sacrificing performance.
Most cars run on gasoline, a refined petroleum distillate. Gasoline makes up the majority of options at your local gas station. However, there are other types of fuel as well. Diesel is a different type of fuel obtained from crude oil. Some gas stations offer biodiesel, which comes from vegetable oil. Diesel is more expensive than gasoline, but it allows you to drive longer distances. It only works on vehicles designed to run on diesel fuel. If you use gasoline in a diesel engine, damage will likely occur as gasoline does not ignite properly and burns too quickly, resulting in a very low power output of the diesel engine.
Your car should have a decal or label identifying that it is E85 compatible (also known as flex fuel). Other alternative fuels include liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas, and liquid nitrogen. However, most vehicles are not built to accept these fuels. Electric cars are gaining popularity.
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E85 is an exciting fuel that is just 15% real gasoline
E85 is a blend of ethanol and gasoline, containing 51 – 83% ethanol, depending on the time of year and weather conditions. It is also known as flex fuel.
E85 is an alternative fuel to liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas, and liquid nitrogen. However, most vehicles are not built to accept these fuels.
Engines designed for regular-octane gas gain little to no benefit from using high-octane fuel. Using unleaded gas with octane levels lower than what the carmaker recommends can reduce performance and may cause damage over time.
Always follow your owner’s manual guidance when choosing a type of gas.
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Flex fuel or E85 is a blend of ethanol and gasoline
Regular unleaded gas is the lowest octane fuel at typically an 87 level and is suitable for most cars. Mid-grade is the middle-range fuel at usually an 89 octane level. Premium is the highest-octane fuel you can buy and has levels of 91-94.
Your car should have a decal or label identifying that it is E85 compatible (also known as flex fuel). Other alternative fuels include liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas, and liquid nitrogen. However, most vehicles are not built to accept these fuels. Electric cars are gaining popularity.
Engines designed for regular-octane gas gain little to no benefit from using high-octane fuel. Using unleaded gas with octane levels lower than what the carmaker recommends can reduce performance and may cause damage over time.
Always follow your owner’s manual guidance when choosing a type of gas. Selecting a grade of gasoline simply because it has a higher octane rating might not be the best choice for your car or your budget. While some vehicles can benefit from premium gas, most drivers can save money at the pump by using regular unleaded in their vehicle without sacrificing performance.
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Frequently asked questions
Most cars run on gasoline, a refined petroleum distillate.
Gasoline is more common and is obtained from crude oil, while diesel is a different type of fuel that is also obtained from crude oil.
E85 is a blend of ethanol and gasoline, containing 51-83% ethanol, depending on the time of year and weather conditions.
Regular unleaded gas is the lowest octane fuel at typically an 87 level and is suitable for most cars. Premium gas is the highest-octane fuel you can buy and has levels of 91-94.