The Shift to Premium Fuel: Why it’s Become the Norm for Modern Vehicles
In the not-so-distant past, stopping at a gas station and putting a few dollars of regular gasoline in your car was a common occurrence. However, those days are long gone, as automakers have increasingly recommended premium fuel for most light-duty vehicles. According to a recent Fact of the Week from Energy.gov, more than half of all light-duty vehicles now come with a premium fuel recommendation, a significant increase from the 6.5 percent in 1985.
One reason for this shift is the trend among automakers to equip their vehicles with smaller turbocharged engines and higher compression. These advancements offer improved performance and fuel efficiency but require higher-octane fuel to prevent engine knocking. Octane ratings measure a fuel’s ability to resist this knocking, and higher octane ratings, such as the 93-94 found in premium fuel, allow automakers to extract more power from smaller engines without sacrificing reliability.
The availability of vehicles that can run on regular or midgrade fuel has also decreased over the past two decades. While the category of vehicles requiring midgrade fuel wasn’t even separated until 2011, it has consistently represented a small fraction of the overall market. This further reinforces the notion that premium fuel has become the norm for modern vehicles.
That being said, it’s important to note that not all vehicles absolutely require premium fuel. Newer vehicles with advanced engine control systems can often adjust their operations to accommodate lower-octane fuels if premium fuel is unavailable. However, there may be trade-offs in terms of fuel economy or power. It’s always best to follow the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer to ensure optimal performance.
It’s also worth mentioning that using premium fuel in a vehicle that doesn’t require it can be a waste of money. Aside from the higher cost of premium fuel, there may be little to no benefit in terms of performance or efficiency. Therefore, it’s essential to understand your vehicle’s requirements and make informed decisions at the pump.
In conclusion, the prevalence of premium fuel recommendations for modern vehicles is a result of advancements in engine technology and the desire for improved performance and efficiency. While there are still some vehicles that can run on regular or midgrade fuel, their numbers are dwindling. Ultimately, it’s crucial to understand your vehicle’s requirements and consider the potential trade-offs before deciding on the appropriate fuel for your car.