AhaBulbStuff Everyone Should Know
AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/premium-gas

Is premium gas better for your car?

Only if your fuel door or manual says premium required. Otherwise it's just more expensive.

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The Just Right card

Too littleRegular in an engine that requires premium: knocking and damage
Too muchPremium in a car built for regular: you're just tipping the gas station
Just rightWhatever your fuel door or owner's manual says

Huh, didn't know that: AAA tested it: no gain in power, mileage, or emissions in cars built for regular.

The dad joke
I put premium in my lawn mower once. Now it only mows golf courses.
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References

Answer: Only if your fuel door or manual says premium required. Octane is knock resistance, not extra energy. AAA found no gain in power, mileage or emissions in cars built for regular. Use what your fuel door or manual says.

  1. AAA premium fuel research for regular-fuel vehicles newsroom.aaa.com/2016/09/u-s-drivers-waste-2-1-billion-annually-premium-gasoline
    AAA found no benefit to using premium gasoline in a vehicle that only requires regular-grade fuel.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. AAA premium recommended vehicle testing newsroom.aaa.com/2017/12/dont-fueled-premium-not-always-worth-price
    drivers could see modest gains in fuel economy and performance when opting for premium gasoline in vehicles that recommend, but do not require, the higher-octane fuel
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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Test yourself in the game

Cars & DrivingHow much air goes in your tires?Cars & DrivingIt's 25°F outside. How long do you warm up a modern car?Cars & DrivingThe pump says E85. Which vehicles are built to run on it?

That's stuff everyone should know.