Topic: What Does “Premium Fuel Recommended” Mean?

[AutoTrader.ca]

No need to second-guess at the pump.
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[Fobroader]

If I had a turbo or any kind of new fangled high compression engine, premium or bust. Not worth the damage to the engine for the few extra bucks.

[dkaz]

If I had a turbo or any kind of new fangled high compression engine, premium or bust. Not worth the damage to the engine for the few extra bucks.

The Mazda Skyactiv engines run on 13.0:1 compression ratio in North America and they're designed to run on regular fuel, in fact running premium does nothing for the engine. Doesn't change the timing, nothing. Overseas Skyactiv engines run on 14.0:1 compression and require premium.

Meanwhile I've had two Siennas both recommend premium gas on a lowly ~10.5:1 compression ratio on the performance 195/230 HP (on premium gas) V6  .

[dirtyjeffer]

as i've said before, my car just says to use regular, but under load at times, it would ping/predetonate...i switched to premium maybe 2 years ago...hasn't done it once since...i would bet 99% of regular drivers wouldn't even know it happens, until they need to get the intake/fuel system flushed because of potential issues long term...my tank is only 43L, so it's usually only about $35 to fill, with the extra cost of premium likely only about $4/fill...considering the improved fuel economy and responsiveness, it's worth the slight upcharge...i use it in our Sorento as well, even though it never seemed to ping on regular.

[PJungnitsch]

I'm pretty skeptical generally on this, other than some premium doesn't have ethanol in it and therefore better for small gas tanks or long term storage, ie in gas can/lawnmower/motorcycle:

Shell V-Power NiTRO+ premium gasoline in Canada does not contain ethanol.

https://www.shell.ca/en_ca/motorists/shell-fuels/shell-vpower-nitro-plus-faqs.html

[ktm525]

Land Rover says Premium Recommended so it gets it. These 5.0L engines have issues with timing chain guide tensioners. One of my beliefs is running lower octane is making the system work harder (retard the timing)and this leads to tensioner problems. I have no evidence for this lol.

Ridgeline gets 87 and the bikes get shell gold.

[dkaz]

I've never had a bike require/recommend anything more than regular fuel. I only put premium in my Vino 125 because of what I thought were carburettor issues with ethanol. Ugh carburettors, never again.

[ktm525]

Really on the bikes? . I'll check my old manuals but most recommended 91 min .

[Fobroader]

Really on the bikes? . I'll check my old manuals but most recommended 91 min .

Yeah, all my buddies with bikes go with minimum 91.

[dkaz]

Keep in mind, I don’t have performance bikes. I only use ethanol free premium when winterizing.

R3:


CB300F:

[ChaosphereIX]

put premium in

end

stop being a cheapskate - give your car what it was tuned for

[Allen]

premium required or premium recommended  both equate to using premium for me

[sailor723]

Both BMW's and the Jag get premium. The label under the fuel door on the BMW's says "91 octane recommended  89 minimum". Regular around here is 87

[tooscoops]

i put premium in the jag, the morgan, the pacer and the renegade. only my wrangler gets regular. it has made me really pay attention to where I fill up. Costco is always my goal. whether I am actually doing things right or not, meh.. I feel like I am.

[dkaz]

premium required or premium recommended  both equate to using premium for me

Even minivans?

[ChaosphereIX]

premium required or premium recommended  both equate to using premium for me

Even minivans?

if it says premium recommended, do what they say

even if it is a minivan

[dkaz]

premium required or premium recommended  both equate to using premium for me

Even minivans?

if it says premium recommended, do what they say

even if it is a minivan

Too much of a black and white blanket statement. On the old 1MZ-FE, the engine definitely felt smoother on premium. 3MZ-FE like what John has in his Highlander with the improved knock sensor, it runs perfectly fine on regular.

[ChaosphereIX]

premium required or premium recommended  both equate to using premium for me

Even minivans?

if it says premium recommended, do what they say

even if it is a minivan

Too much of a black and white blanket statement. On the old 1MZ-FE, the engine definitely felt smoother on premium. 3MZ-FE like what John has in his Highlander with the improved knock sensor, it runs perfectly fine on regular.

well you do what you want, but if the manufacturer calls for premium, and the engine will run better on premium all other things being equal...it gets premium

why the hell would you do otherwise? "i want less power and dirtier gas, ill save a couple of dollars"

[bridgecity]

Regular gas is dirtier than premium? You’ve bought the Kool aid.

If premium is recommended but the engine runs fine on regular, what’s to worry about?  FWIW, I put premium in the X. The wife fills it with regular. It doesn’t bother me. Acura recommends premium, but states not to run on 86 or lower. I guess it makes me feel warm and fuzzy putting premium. 

[rrocket]

Regular gas is dirtier than premium? You’ve bought the Kool aid.

Not the fuel itself.  But if the car calls for premium and you run regular, the car pulls timing and you might have a less complete burn...which could mean more deposits left in the combustion chamber.  Plus it might run hotter, shorten the life of the spark plug...which also further could result in less efficient burn and deposits.  But that's not terribly likely these days...unless you're turbo or towing a load.

But in an of itself...you're right.  Both regular and premium contain detergents and neither is "dirtier" than the other.