Unleaded vs. Premium gas, does it make a differnce?

[bacabunch]

My father inlaw suggested I run Premium gas when towing the TT. Makes sense but not sure it makes a difference, any thoughts?

[Bumpyroad]

wa8yxm wrote:

You can pay more for "high-Test" but all you are doing is making Mr. Koch (The Oil Robber Baron who owns several refineries) Richer and he's already too rich.

I would think it also helps millions of stock holders, folks with annuities, and IRAs etc.
bumpy

[ppine]

The design of the engine determines what grade of fuel you need.
If you notice knocking or pinging or anything else unusual, step up a grade in fuel. Don't lug your engine, Watch your tach.

I have a Lexus 430 SC built to run on prem gas so that it all she gets.

[RobWNY]

Has anyone ever seen a regulatory agency at a fuel pump testing octane levels of the fuel being sold? I've seen the Bureau of Weights and Measures here in NY State checking that a gallon pumped is really a gallon but I've never seen an octane level checked. Makes me wonder what we're really getting when we fill up.

[RCMAN46]

Most gas stations in my area the premium gas is also ethanol free.

Not sure if it gives my 1999 Cadillac SLS more power but my Honda 2000 generator definitely runs much smoother with the ethanol free fuel.

[riven1950]

No scientific test but our 2018 ECO gets about 2 MPG better towing with 93 octane, and it seems to have more pep, although it has plenty of pep with 87 octane.

We are in Fl. Trip to Jacksonville was a blended tank of 40 % 87 60% 93. lie o meter showed 10mpg. Filled in Jax with 93 and at same speed avg 12 on trip to Tampa.

Both same speeds. Not much wind either day. No pinging with 87. Cost / benefit is not great, maybe break even after paying more for the 93.

[noteven]

My 6.2 Ford V8 pulls better on 91 than 89 at 2500-3500 rpm. It is about the same fuel cost per mile based on the last 4000 miles trip I took with a camper loaded and towing a 20ft trailer in west Canada / US.

Running around local empty I’ll use 87 as power need is low for empty truck.

This engine never “pings” it has sensors and controls.

My manual says “minimum octane 87” not “designed for”.

[wa8yxm]

bacabunch wrote:
My father inlaw suggested I run Premium gas when towing the TT. Makes sense but not sure it makes a difference, any thoughts?

Three answers depending on the tow vehicle:
Most all vehicles today are designed to run on 87 Octane. they are computer controlled and will make a few adjustments so towing or not makes no difference. You can pay more for "high-Test" but all you are doing is making Mr. Koch (The Oil Robber Baron who owns several refineries) Richer and he's already too rich.

Some cars and trucks MAY benefit from higher octane for one reason or another. I used to have a car that really did get better MPG on Mid or High... It had a defect which eventually was fixed and then it burned regular for the rest of it's days.

And some "High performace" engines need high test.. but they don't put 'em in trucks as a rule.

[Kpackpackkelley]

Some good videos on YouTube about this subject I’ve been watching.

[rk911]

in the mountains i fill The Banana Boat with minimum 89-0ctane instead of 87. no pinging and a modest increase in MPG. but i do it to prevent the pinging.

[2oldman]

All gas is unleaded.

[MitchF150]

If your vehicle is what is in your signature, then I'd say it might make a difference... The engine will have a knock sensor that will adjust the timing if it senses 'pinging' in the engine. A little more timing can make a little more power.

I've been running premium in my 13 Ecoboost and found it made a difference when towing a #7000 TT.. I used to run regular towing my old #5000 TT and it made a difference for me..

The trucks owner manual does suggest running premium when towing, but I ran regular the first time towing the new trailer.. It was a dog on the same route I took with the old #5000 TT.

Ran premium on the next trip, going basically the same route (over the pass on I90) and it was much better.. I was down to 3rd gear going up the grades and down to 45 mph on regular. Premium, I was back in 4th and back up to my 55 mph and it even ran cooler.

So, for me, it's working better.. But, I do see that it does no good for other's.. It just depends on your vehicle, your situation and your environment and your own 'butt dyno' that's gonna determine what works best for you.

Until you try it for yourself, you will never know. It might be better, it might not?? Who knows?

Good luck! Mitch

[stickdog]

Only if you have engine pinging otherwise your just improving my dividends.