A Surefire Way to Save at the Pump

Gas is the last thing on your mind on December 21^st.  We’re one day into Hanukkah and only four days until Christmas and you NEED to finish your holiday shopping.  Online outlets have made it easier for us to make buying decisions on the net, but you can’t purchase EVERYTHING online.  You’ll need to drive…that’s where we come in.  If you’re trying to pinch pennies this season to get that new tablet for your favorite nephew, then here’s a suggestion:  when buying gas at the pump, stop buying premium.  

A lot of drivers ask themselves if they can switch.  The answer is yes.  Today’s automobiles have made strides in engine technology.  Even if the manual says premium, its performance will only suffer slightly.  For example, it might be a half a second slower when accelerating from 0-60.  Drivers should know if premium is recommended or required.  Still in doubt?  Here's a deeper explanation of why this is a benefit to your commute and your pockets. 

A long time ago, engines were unable to adjust to fuels with differing octane ratings.  If you used the wrong fuel, the engine would knock audibly as the fuel combustion became uncontrolled.  Engine knock can damage internal engine components over time.  Today advances in engine control systems can compensate for low octane by monitoring knock activity and adjusting ignition in advance to quell the knock.  According to Edmunds: “This sophisticated electronic capability effectively gives drivers more flexibility in the grade of fuels that they can safely use.  Compared to premium gasoline, lower-octane fuels don't allow the engine to run as much ignition advance during situations where lots of throttle might be used. Since the engine doesn't make quite as much power with lower-octane fuels, this translates into slower acceleration in cars for which premium fuel is recommended. The performance loss is especially noticeable in turbocharged gasoline engines.” In other words, this is only something you’ll notice if you have a heavy throttle foot.  Otherwise, it’s smooth sailing.  So take a sec at the pump and save!