USA Today: Why use premium gas when regular will do?

[technole]

Interesting article!

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2003-07-30-premiumgas_x.htm

[michaels artic frost]

It was a good read technole.

Thanks,
Michael

[bkp_duke]

Yes, I found this quote the most interesting:

"Extreme pressure inside the cylinders causes knock, which is the sound of the pistons literally rattling inside the cylinders. Too much too long can damage the engine. A little now and then won't."

Well then, exactly how much knocking do you have to have to get "engine damage"?

Also this one was interesting:
"Automakers say they don't test premium engines on regular to check the difference, but some auto engineers estimate that power declines roughly 5%."

5%? That's a full 10hp on the V6 Gen1, and 11 on the Gen2.

I'm staying safe, and spending the extra $150 a year for premium. It's a whole lot cheaper than a $2K engine rebuild in the future and the engine requires less maintence (fuel injector, throtle cleaning, etc.).

When the manual says 91 or higher and you don't use it, I liken that to using a cheap aftermarket oil filter. You might get by on it, but why risk it. If money is really that tight, skip lunch two times a month and you've paid for the difference in gas on 4 fill-ups (at least for me).

PS - on a completely side note, I really take EVERYTHING the press says with a HUGE grain of salt. A buddy of mine is a TV anchor in FL and he says they are pushed to find the more interesting angles on a story, even if they have to stretch the truth.

[dabuda]

always get regular for my solara

[mattyboyl]

Excellent article. Thank you for sharing. Using lower grade fuel definitely decreases performance. I knew that I noticed a difference and now knowing that I am losing approx. 5%, this confirms my belief. You figure losing 5% hp and tq would give you 214 hp and 228 ft/lbs torque in a stock Gen 2 Solara. That's a difference you'll feel if you know your car. But, I'll be honest with you, I have been using regular lately because even with a 5% difference, that's still impressive for this car! If I'm going to the track, yes, I will fill up on 91 or higher. But the money difference doesn't outweigh the performance benfits at this time.

[LukeTheWarrior]

thanks for the link I read the whole article and believed every word of it

[got sport]

I don't have a supercharger yet, so I'll stick with '87.

Premium is just another marketing ploy in our capitalistic society.

[technole]

No prob! I read it this morning, and I was thinking to myself.. I was just wondering about this the other day and thats why I came up with the poll.

I think it makes sense to use 87 if you aren't going to push the boundaries at all, and if you doing just daily city commutes from home to work. I also believe 87 makes sense if you going on a long highway trip. I mean seriously, do you really need that extra horsepower when all you are doing is cruising?

I do agree about the part in the article about the car would start up a 'better' and quicker on 87.

[mtodde]

Thanks for the post...it sounds like a debate that will go on. Personally I quit buying premium in 2001 after a job loss. When I switched to regular in the 99 SE V6 I had at the time I didn't notice any difference. I haven't bought premium since.

[dronek1975]

I actually got better MPG using 89 than on 93. I fill up my tank at Shell and Shell only. I have a friend driving 2007 Tundra he says the same, so for me is cheaper and better. I use 93 in my 2006 VW Passat 2.0T only from BP
My Solara is 2004 V6 SE

[facevedo17]

interested ...on the solara since its boosted I stick with 93 on my wife Pathfinder I use 93 but have noticeed that it last longer if use 89 or 87 weird...engine seems to like all three IMO

[SpeedySolara]

'The only modern engines that should really need premium are those with superchargers, which force-feed fuel into the cylinders. "You're driving along and just tramp the gas and the knock sensor cannot sense the knock fast enough in some cases," because the supercharger boosts pressure so fast, says Bob Furey, chemist and fuels specialist at General Motors."

[1gSE]

lol since when did superchargers force fuel in the engine? I'll stick with my 92

[Aotoyota]

I actually actually better MPG using 89 than on 93. I fill up my tank at Shell and Shell only. I have a friend driving 2007 Tundra he says the same, so for me is cheaper and better. I use 93 in my 2006 VW Passat 2.0T only from BP
My Solara is 2004 V6 SE

same with my gen 2.. i get better milage with 89!

[philosophicaljt]

'The only modern engines that should really need premium are those with superchargers, which force-feed fuel into the cylinders.

This is hilarious.