Blog / tips and tricks

Why is Premium Fuel More Expensive?

Why is premium fuel more expensive?

There are few choices to make at the gas station. Namely, which fuel to put in the car. Most of us know the difference between regular and diesel fuel, but what makes the different options for regular fuel cost more or less? Why is premium fuel more expensive? We are here to talk about that today. Read on to learn more about premium fuel. One of the worst things about driving a car is having to spend money on fuel every few days. It seems to be used up more quickly than it should, and it can cost a bundle to fill up the tank. So why would anyone choose to buy the more expensive fuel option, when there are at least 2 cheaper options? What makes premium fuel worth the extra money? Basically, it comes down to your car's engine. Your vehicle engine operates with a certain compression ratio. A higher ratio needs fuel that is less combustible, while a lower compression ratio can handle the cheaper stuff. An owners' manual for any vehicle should include information inside as to which fuel to put in the vehicle. While many only suggest the premium fuel, even fewer make it a requirement. If the suggestion is there, you are most likely safe to try the cheaper fuel. READ MORE: Synthetic vs Conventional OilWhat happens if I put cheaper fuel in an engine that needs the premium fuel? A lower octane fuel in an engine with a high compression ratio will produce an engine knock. This is an often audible sound that can lead to engine damage and expensive repairs down the road. It is important to give a vehicle the fuel it needs to run smoothly. Have other questions about what your car needs? Give our service center a call. Our friendly and professional staff is always happy to answer any questions or concerns you might have! Need to bring your car in for service? No problem! Schedule your own appointment online! We look forward to seeing you!
Posted in:

Related Posts

5 steps to take when having engine issues

What do I do when my engine overheats? At some point or another, we've all dealt with annoying car issues. Some are even much more frustrating than others, like when dealing with engine issues. While these problems can be rare, it's smart to know how to handle the situation if it ever arises. So, what do I do when my engine overheats? more To make things simple, we wanted to give you a quick guide on what to do if your engine starts overheating. First, pull over to a safe spot on the road and shut off the vehicle. Since the engine and hood are still hot, wait a while until the car has cooled down before inspecting the problem. Check your owner's manual if you're unsure of where the coolant reservoir tank is, but first, check the coolant/antifreeze level in the radiator. However, make sure the radiator cap has cooled down before filling the radiator with coolant. Next, double check the radiator hoses to see if anything is broken, malfunctioning or disconnected. Try restarting the engine, and then keep a close eye on your car's temperature gauge. Read more: How to change a tire. We hope this helps you out, but in case you're still having a tough time, be sure to visit your local dealership for assistance. For example, we here at Palmen Buick GMC Cadillac have highly skilled technicians that can help get your vehicle looking and driving as good as new. Now that you know what to do when your engine overheats, you can learn more tips and tricks by following our blog.

rear seats folded down in 2018 GMC Terrain

How can I camp in my car?

Tips for camping in a car Getting all of the gear you need to go camping can get expensive. To save money, and just to be more mobile, you can camp in your car! There are a few ways you can make your experience better, check out these tips! more Read More: How much room is in the Buick Envision? How to camp in your car It's all about the location. Whether you want to park your car at an actual campsite, or just want to camp out along your road trip route, finding the right location to park your car is key. If you are parking at a campsite, keep in mind the cost of reserving the site and be courteous of your camping neighbors by not leaving your engine running for too long. If you are camping along your travel route, there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure you are parking legally somewhere (truck stops and Wal-mart parking lots are typically good options), and if you are parked on an incline, turn your wheels and pull the emergency brake to avoid rolling, and make sure you sleep with your head on a higher incline than your feet. It's also all about the vehicle. Camping in compact sedans and smaller cars is not an ideal situation. Trucks and SUVs, on the other hand, are usually spacious enough to make a comfortable sleeping spot. Most of the time, putting your head toward the front of the car will give you more elbow room, because most cargo areas have wheel wells that cut into the interior space. Bringing a variety of blankets and pillows or a small air mattress (test it out beforehand to make sure it fits!) will help you get comfortable too. Prepare for the trip like you would any other camping trip. Make sure you have the necessary amounts of food and water to last through your trip, a first aid kit, fire starting materials, bags for garbage, electronics chargers, flashlights, toiletries, clothes and more. Make sure you can get fresh air. To avoid windows fogging up, you should create ventilation in your car by cracking the windows. To help keep bugs out, you can bring some mesh along with you, cut and secure it to cover each window. View Our Inventory We hope these tips help you camp in your car safely. Let us know about your summer camping adventures in the comments section of this post! For all of your automotive needs, come to Palmen Buick GMC Cadillac today!

Beat carsickness with these tips!

How to avoid motion sickness on a road trip Getting carsick is no fun. Especially if you are embarking on a lengthy road trip, feelings of motion sickness can totally derail your plans and make the trip miserable instead of exciting. Learn some tips for how to avoid getting carsick here! more View Our Inventory Tips to avoid getting carsick Car games to play on a road trip Sometimes, the best way to avoid feeling carsick is to be distracted! Check out these games to play in the car to keep yourself busy and avoid feeling sick! We hope you have a safe and fun summer!