Now that you’ve finally purchased the vehicle you have always wanted, whether that be a sporty Infiniti G37, powerful Mercedes Benz CLS or BMW 7 series you may find yourself questioning if you really need to spend that extra twenty cents per gallon and pony up for premium fuel. Well, for most luxury vehicles, the answer is a clear yes. It is the compression rate of your engine that decides what type of fuel you need to use. Generally, autos with a higher level of horsepower (and a higher level of performance) require higher octane level while more sedate, slower, family type cars don’t. What it boils down to is if you want speed and performance, you’re going to have to pay a bit extra at the pump.

First let’s take a look at the different type of octane ratings available. Premium gas generally has an octane rating of 91 or 92 (depending which U.S state you are in) while standard fuel has one of 87 and mid-grade comes in at around 89. The main concern with using standard gas in a vehicle that requires premium is that it could potentially damage your vehicle’s engine. There is a big difference in the manufacturer recommending high octane fuel versus requiring it. If it’s merely recommended, then using regular gas will not hurt your engine; it will only lessen performance and you probably won’t even notice it.

A lot of newer luxury cars nowadays, such as the MKZ from Lincoln and the STS by Cadillac utilize regular unleaded fuel. Some drivers may be under the impression that using more expensive gas will clean their engine better or make it run better but the fact of the matter is that it won’t. If your car does require the expensive type of gas and if you fail to follow the recommended guidelines, you might hear noises called “pinging” or “knocking”. This noise is the result of the fuel and air combusting on an uneven basis and this could even lead to engine damage. Upgrading to the correct grade of fuel will usually get rid of the noise and if it doesn’t, chances are that your vehicle needs some type of repair and it would be a good idea to visit a mechanic. Therefore it’s crucial to follow the manufactures recommendations for your auto.

Taking proper care if your luxury vehicle and providing it with the correct fuel ensures that it will last for many years to come. The price difference between regular and premium comes down to around twenty cents per gallon. It is an unavoidable fact that luxury cars usually cost more money to maintain and service versus regular cars. The bottom line is that if you can afford a luxury car, you should be able to afford to fill her with the fuel she needs. So whether you drive an Infiniti, BMW or Ferrari, remember to follow the guidelines set forth by the manufacturer in order to keep it in good running condition.

Author Bio: Written by Jacqueline Star: To see more Infiniti cars visit Used Cars Houston, for Jaguars visit Bay Area Jaguar Dealer, and for more affordable cars visit Used Cars Florence.

Category: Automotive
Keywords: cars, autos, vehicles, automotive, gas, fuel