Premium gas

Deeko · Mar 15, 2002

I have a 1994 Mazda 626 LX-V6. The inside of the gas cover says 'premium recommended'. My dad told me just to use regular, so I am. Should I be using premium?

db · Mar 15, 2002

Find out what octane # it call for.

LordMaul · Mar 16, 2002

Dad's always seem bent on saving that extra 50 cents or 75 and buying the cheap crap. Use premium....it's just better.

Don Vito Corleone · Mar 16, 2002

If the maker is recommending premium, the engine is probably designed for it. If they are just saying it is "recommended," the car will probably run OK on regular, but the engine computer will retard the spark if necessary to prevent pinging - this may hurt performance. If you are not concerned with performance, just run regular unless the engine knocks or pings.

freebee · Mar 16, 2002

If it says premium recommended, then use premium. Your engine may run fine on regular, if its compensating for the lower octane (as some engines can do.) You'll simply lost some power, or the engine will ping in certain situations.

I always thought the 2.5l mazda v-6 were fairly sedate engines... kl-03 motor perhaps?

Pacfanweb · Mar 16, 2002

I'd look at the owner's manual, or talk to a Mazda tech. See if it says you CAN use regular. It should specify whether premium is recommended, or REQUIRED.
If it's required, ignore your dad. He's the one who'll be paying to repair the engine if you continue to use regular.

Deeko · Mar 16, 2002

<< If it's required, ignore your dad. He's the one who'll be paying to repair the engine if you continue to use regular >>

Actually....I would have to since I paid for the car...maybe I should look into it lol

poopaskoopa · Mar 16, 2002

My old Ford F*cking Probe with the time bomb that is a 2.2L turbo engine wants me to feed it the premium grade as well...

Random Variable · Mar 16, 2002

I've used only premium gasoline for years because somehow my father convinced me that it was better for the car. I'm not really sure if that's true, though.

Pacfanweb · Mar 16, 2002

<<Actually....I would have to since I paid for the car...maybe I should look into it lol >>

Better make a new D-squared CD and start marketing it if you continue to use regular.

<<My old Ford F*cking Probe with the time bomb that is a 2.2L turbo engine wants me to feed it the premium grade as well... >>

And you'd best feed it just that unless you're ready to start looking for a new car. Turbos+spark knock=not good at all.

cwjefferys · Mar 16, 2002

I used to work for a BMW dealership, its recommended Premium gas, you what we use? The cheapest gas you can afford, any car in usa will be normal under lower octane with the exception of the luxury/exotic cars, Bentley, Ferrari

Don Vito Corleone · Mar 16, 2002

<< I've used only premium gasoline for years because somehow my father convinced me that it was better for the car. I'm not really sure if that's true, though. >>

Unless your engine is designed for premium it has no benefits whatsoever in terms of mileage, performance, or engine longevity.

kduncan5 · Mar 16, 2002

My car runs like crap on regular, but I don't want to shell out the BIG bucks for premium, so I use mid-grade. My car, and my wallet thank me.....

-kd5-

HappyPuppy · Mar 16, 2002

Those 3 hoses at the gas pump all go into 1 big tank. It's all the same gas. Any difference is all in your mind.

conjur · Mar 16, 2002

<< Those 3 hoses at the gas pump all go into 1 big tank. It's all the same gas. Any difference is all in your mind. >>

Sure.

Running Premium in a car that does not require may hurt performance and definitely adversely affects the exhaust. That fuel won't be burned properly as Premium is typically meant for engines with a higher compression ratio.

Going the other way, running Regular in a car that requires (or recommends) Premium could be hazardous to the engine (lifters, valves, etc.) as you'll experience more detonation (esp. when it's warmer).

Pacfanweb · Mar 16, 2002

<<Those 3 hoses at the gas pump all go into 1 big tank. It's all the same gas. Any difference is all in your mind. >>

Nope, there are at least 2 tanks in all cases, 3 in some. Only difference is mid-grade....some places it's a mixture of premium and regular, other places it's actually a separate tank.

LAUST · Mar 16, 2002

<< My old Ford F*cking Probe with the time bomb that is a 2.2L turbo engine wants me to feed it the premium grade as well... >>

You have forced induction so yes you HAVE to or you will Detonate

Those 3 hoses at the gas pump all go into 1 big tank. It's all the same gas. Any difference is all in your mind.
On 93.5 octaine I run good, but when I race I bump my timing up about 3 degree's... if I'm on 93.5 I get the sound of "running over wire's" <--- See bold letter word above

So I run 101 or if I'm willing to spend the money on Sonoco's price I get GT 104+ <-- with that the wires get out of the way

The 101 is Definantly different then the 93.5

Deeko Check out what the compression ratio is on your vehicle if it's really high that will determine if you need higher octaine. When my truck was stock 9.5:1 I ran regular and it was perfect for it. After I tossed on a Twin-screw and 2 booster injectors I need to run premium as a minimum

RGN · Mar 16, 2002

I run premium in my Maxima. I actually got a milage increase after I started using it. I also notice a power difference between that and mid-grade. I've never used the cheap stuff.

ultravox · Mar 16, 2002

High compression engines especially multi-valve designs require premium as other have stated to prevent pinging and also it helps keep the valves from carbonizing excessively. Carbed up valves will eventually not seat properly and cause you to lose compression and power

Jerboy · Mar 16, 2002

Your car could get more hp and better fuel economy. You'd have to check with someone who knows about your engine. This doesn't apply to any cars. It will usually take a few tanks before you'd get all the advantage. More power is a result of advanced ignition timing. Premium gas can burn at more advanced timing than regular before knocking. When you start using regular gas again, the engine will knock even though you won't notice it. The engine controller automatically retards the timing and you'll lose a bit of power.

Triumph · Mar 16, 2002

<< Carbed up valves will eventually not seat properly and cause you to lose compression and power >>

This is always my excuse to really let er rip every once in a while, to burn off the carb deposits.

Jerboy · Mar 16, 2002

<< I run premium in my Maxima. I actually got a milage increase after I started using it. >>

Premium might yield better mpg, but most likely less miles/$.

DJediMaster · Mar 16, 2002

Like RGN, i also run premium in my maxima. 91 Octane to be exact. I conducted several tests using 87 octane and 91. Gas mileage will be 'slightly' better with the higher octane fuel, and acceleration improved in the low end. The car feels more 'responsive' with the higher octane blend..it also burns cleaner so you'll be doing the environment a favour

Mar 16, 2002

Higher octane gasoline is for engines with higher compression.

Higher grade gas is not necessarily good.

Siddhartha · Mar 16, 2002

The type of gas, octane rating, your engine requires to run properly is dependent on its compression. The higher the compression the higher the octane needed. If you use gas with a lower than recommended octane rating your engine could run rough. The worst case is your engine could start pre-ignition detonation, knocking, which can damage it.

I recommend you save yourself the potential of damaging your engine by using the recommended fuel. But if you are curious try a couple of tanks of regular gas and see how your engine runs

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