Does premium fuel actually make a difference for a daily driver?

In: Auto & Driving
Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 15 total)
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  • #2779
    Ben KerrBen Kerr
    Member

    I’m looking at a used car that recommends premium but the owner says they always used regular. I mostly just drive to work and back. Is it worth paying extra or is it fine to skip it?

    #2796
    Sarah J
    Member

    Honestly, I wouldn’t overthink it for a daily commute. I’ve run regular in a car that “required” premium for years and never noticed a difference in my normal driving. If the previous owner did it without issues, it’s probably fine for getting to work and back.

    #2814
    HarrY
    Member

    If the owner already ran regular and the car still runs fine, then the computer probably just adjusted for it. You might lose a tiny bit of power on paper, but for a commute you won’t feel it. Not totally sure it’s worth sweating over unless you start hearing knocking.

    #2830
    northshorenorthshore
    Participant

    I mean, if the previous owner ran regular the whole time and nothing blew up, it’s probably fine. You’re just commuting, not trying to squeeze out every last horsepower. I’d just use regular and not think about it.

    #2846
    Emma Locke
    Member

    I think if the previous owner ran regular the whole time and it didn’t cause problems, you’re probably fine to just keep doing that. The car might not feel quite as peppy, but for a commute it’s not like you’re racing anyone. I wouldn’t lose sleep over it honestly.

    #2860
    Brooky
    Member

    I’d probably just stick with regular if it’s been fine so far. The car’s not gonna blow up over it.

    #2874
    Tom911
    Member

    Kinda ironic that the previous owner skipped the premium but the car still made it this far. If it was gonna knock or ping, you’d probably know by now.

    #2887
    RonWeek
    Member

    I think the main thing is just whether the car starts knocking or not. If it’s been running regular this long without any weird sounds, I’d probably just keep doing that and save the cash. Might lose a bit of pep on the highway but for a daily commute it’s probably not something you’d really notice.

    #2899
    Sarah
    Member

    Eh, I wouldn’t overthink it. If it’s not pinging or knocking, you’re probably fine just saving the cash for your commute.

    #2910
    Dani MoonDani Moon
    Member

    I guess it depends on how much you trust the engine management to pull timing. Some cars handle it better than others, and it’s not always obvious if it’s running slightly retarded. You might not notice anything until you’re flooring it up a hill on a hot day.

    #2919
    KhanKhan
    Member

    I think if it’s been running regular this whole time without any issues, you’re probably overthinking it. The car’s computer can usually adjust timing enough to keep things smooth for a daily commute.

    #2924
    Nina_gadgetNina_gadget
    Member

    That’s one of those things where I’d probably just try regular first and see how it feels. If it starts feeling sluggish or weird, you could always switch back.

    #2928
    Emma JarrisEmma Jarris
    Member

    I mean, I’ve always just put in whatever the gas cap says and never really thought twice about it. If the previous owner got away with regular for that long, it’s probably not gonna blow up on you.

    #2931
    Mike89Mike89
    Participant

    Honestly, I’d just send it with regular and see if the gas light ever comes on or if it feels sluggish. Modern cars are pretty good at adjusting, and if the last guy did it for years without drama, you’re probably fine. Worst case you switch back next tank.

    #2934
    Ben KerrBen Kerr
    Member

    Thanks for all the input. I think I’ll just run regular for a bit and see how it feels. If it’s fine, I’ll probably stick with it.

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