So let\u2019s get started. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Does it Matter Whether I Burn Premium or Regular Grade Gas in California? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cost. The ability to save on fuel in California is one of the biggest reasons drivers give for choosing regular rather than premium. Other issues include engine performance and fuel economy, and we\u2019ll get to those factors soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In these inflationary times, every move you make that can reduce your outflow of dollars might be worth considering. While the price difference between regular and premium fuel is more than $0.30 a gallon per the latest AAA price report, in the recent past, the difference has averaged as much as $0.63 a gallon. Let\u2019s roughly split the difference and call it a $0.50 price differential. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your vehicle holds 15 gallons and you fill up with premium at every gas station stop, you\u2019ll spend about $7.50 more per tank for the fuel luxury. Or save that much if you switch to regular. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To save on fuel<\/a> in California, your best move is to only pump regular gasoline. Open and shut case, right? Maybe, but let\u2019s hear the whole story. <\/p>\n\n\n\n People just love to waste money. There can\u2019t be any other reason to put the pricey stuff in your tank. Right? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Not quite. There\u2019s engine performance and fuel economy to consider, and premium takes the lead here. It\u2019s up to you to determine how important those factors are against cost and quality realities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s break for a brief introduction to octane<\/em>. That\u2019s one of those words that just about everyone has heard, but \u2014 go ahead \u2014 define it. We dare you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Octane is a measure of how much pressure your fuel can take before detonating. We use the less scary terms \u201cknocking\u201d or \u201cpinging\u201d to describe the process by which gasoline ignites under pressure and the sound it makes. The higher the octane rating, the less that knocking might be a problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Regular grade gasoline has an octane rating of around 87 while premium rates in the area of 91 to 94. Here\u2019s the rub: even at the lower grade of gasoline, today\u2019s car engines rarely experience knocking. <\/p>\n\n\n Ouch. That\u2019s blunt. But true, according to an extensive study conducted by AAA and the Automobile Club of Southern California\u2019s Automotive Research Center<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The study concluded that the modest fuel economy and even engine performance realized by the use of premium grade gasoline is likely not offset by the higher cost. That came after testing six models varying in size, body style, type of fuel delivery system, and other factors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Studies show that even when auto manufacturers recommend<\/em> burning premium fuel, it\u2019s not necessary, and the high-end fuel won\u2019t yield any dramatic benefits for California drivers. More to the point, ignoring the recommendation and instead filling your tank with the cheaper regular grade won\u2019t do your car an iota of damage. It will just save you money. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The only exception to our \u201cforget premium\u201d auto tip is when the automaker mandates that only premium grade can go in the tank. There are but a handful of those \u2014 mostly high-performance vehicles \u2014 but they do exist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can find out if your vehicle must burn premium in a variety of ways. It\u2019s quickest and easiest to simply look at the label on the reverse side of your fuel filler door. It will state the grade you must use. You can also find the information in your auto manual or by visiting the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s fueleconomy<\/a> website. Or ask your dealer<\/a> before buying your car. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Okay, so you\u2019ve done that and find that your vehicle can use a regular grade of gasoline. But you\u2019re still pumping a pricey premium grade in the middle of a high-price fuel market. Why? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Because you want to, that\u2019s why. And it\u2019s a free country. You\u2019re used to premium, so it\u2019s in your budget. You can afford it. You\u2019re convinced that it will protect your car\u2019s engine, even if it\u2019s only incrementally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Maybe you\u2019re experiencing engine knocking with the cheaper grade. Or you figure that the fuel economy with premium, even if it doesn\u2019t pay for itself, will help you do your modest part in helping the planet conserve fossil fuels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If any or all of those factors explain why you continue to use the higher-price grade, continue to do so. You\u2019re certainly not harming your vehicle in any way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The takeaway is that most motorists have a choice. If you currently use premium, know that you might be able to significantly save on fuel in California by pumping the cheaper grade \u2014 and doing so guilt-free. <\/p>\n\n\n\n At Cost-U-Less Insurance<\/a>, our specialty is helping drivers save on auto insurance. Contact your independent Cost-U-Less insurance agent at (800) 390-4071<\/a>, or get a quick quote<\/a> online. We also invite you to find a Cost-U-Less location near you<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However you reach us, we look forward to discussing cars, auto-related savings, and affordable car insurance with you. <\/p>\n\n\n\nSo Why Does Anyone<\/em> Put Premium Grade Gas in Their Tank? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nAuto Tip: the Modest Fuel Economy of Premium Gas Doesn\u2019t Offset the Higher Price Point <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Bottom Line: Only Burn Premium if You Have to or Want to <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Want More Valuable Insurance Advice and Auto Tips? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n