Regular vs. Premium Gas: Which is Best For Your Chevy?
When you visit a gas station in Pensacola or Crestview, Florida, you might come across different fuel options. You may wonder about the numbers on the fuel pumps and the difference between regular and premium gas. If you drive a Chevrolet that requires premium fuel, using the correct gas type can improve its performance and optimize its fuel economy. If you’re unsure whether your Chevy requires premium fuel or not, keep reading to understand the difference between regular and premium gas, why some cars require high-octane fuel, and which Chevy models need it.
If you’re in the market for a new Chevy, check out the extensive inventory at our Allen Turner Chevrolet dealership, where we hold ourselves to the same high standards as the brand itself. Our sales team can work with you to find the right vehicle for your lifestyle and answer questions about the fuel it needs to perform its best.
What’s the Difference Between Premium and Regular Gas?
When you’re choosing fuel for your car, the main question is whether your engine really needs premium gas or if regular will do just fine. Here’s a simpler breakdown of the differences and what they mean for you.
Everyday Engines and Regular Gas
Most everyday cars use engines designed to run on regular 87-octane fuel. These engines work well on regular gas, providing the right power without any extra cost. If your car runs smoothly on regular fuel without any knocking or unusual sounds, upgrading to premium won’t boost performance or fuel economy—it’s simply unnecessary.
Boosted Engines and the Need for Premium
Some cars come with turbochargers or superchargers. These devices push extra air into the engine, which increases pressure and can lead to knocking if the fuel isn’t resistant enough to premature ignition. Premium fuel, with its higher octane rating, helps prevent knocking and allows these engines to operate as designed. In many turbocharged engines, using premium gas can help maintain power and efficiency, while using regular gas might result in a small loss of horsepower.
High-Performance Engines
High-performance vehicles and luxury cars are often engineered to work with premium fuel. These engines have been finely tuned for a higher octane rating, and using regular gas can lead to knocking, reduced power, and even long-term engine damage. If your car’s manual specifically calls for premium fuel, it’s important to follow that guidance to keep your engine running at its best and avoid costly repairs later on.
Why Do Some Vehicles Need Premium Gas?
Most cars can run on regular gasoline, but luxury, sports, and performance vehicles might require premium. That’s because these cars have powerful engines with higher compression ratios. Premium gas contains more octane, which makes it more resistant to engine knocking. Engine knocking happens when fuel burns unevenly in the cylinders, which can severely damage a car’s engine.
In vehicles with turbocharged engines, premium gas can maximize performance. For example, with premium gasoline, you’re more likely to hit the vehicle’s maximum horsepower when cruising on the Okaloosa County roadways. Premium gasoline can also improve fuel efficiency in cars that require it; you’ll get better gas mileage and emit fewer emissions.
It’s important to note that while premium gasoline benefits vehicles that need it, you usually won’t get those same benefits if you put premium gas in a car designed for regular fuel. There’s no harm in using premium gas, but it’s probably only worth the extra money if you drive a vehicle with a turbocharged engine.
Chevrolet Models That Need Premium Gas
Not sure if your Chevrolet needs premium gas? In general, most Chevy vehicles can use regular unleaded gasoline. However, if you drive a Chevy sports car or a model with an upgraded engine, you may need to use premium fuel. Here are the models that require it for better performance and efficiency.
Chevrolet Camaro
Not all Camaros require premium gas. However, use it if you drive one with a 6.2-liter V-8 engine or a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8. Chevy recommends purchasing fuel with a 91-octane rating or greater for those Camaros. All other Camaros can use 87-octane regular unleaded gas.
Chevrolet Corvette
Chevrolet recommends using 91-octane premium gasoline for all new Corvettes. The engine may require service if you hear the engine knocking when using premium fuel. You can bring your Corvette to us for service, and our experienced technicians will take a look and diagnose the issue.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Fill the truck with premium gasoline if you drive a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with a 6.2-liter V-8 engine under the hood. Chevy notes that you can use regular unleaded gasoline if high-octane fuel is unavailable. Still, it may reduce the truck’s performance and drivability. All other Silverado 1500s with smaller engines can use regular gas without issues.
Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban
You should use premium gasoline if you drive a Tahoe or a Suburban with a 6.2-liter engine. These SUVs can use regular gas, but it might decrease their fuel efficiency. You can use regular unleaded gasoline if you drive a Tahoe or a Suburban with a smaller engine.
Should You Use Regular or Premium Gas in Your Chevrolet?
Fuel Efficiency and Engine Health
It’s a common myth that premium gas contains more energy than regular gas. In reality, the difference lies in how the fuel burns. Premium gasoline is formulated to burn more smoothly in engines that require it, which can sometimes result in a small improvement in fuel efficiency under heavy load. However, for most everyday drivers, the gain in miles per gallon is minimal. More importantly, using the correct fuel protects your engine. Engines designed for premium fuel can experience persistent knocking if filled with a lower-octane gas, which over time may harm vital components like pistons and valves.
Bottom Line
- For Cars Built for Regular Gas: Stick with 87-octane fuel. If your car runs well on regular, there’s no need to pay extra for premium, and you won’t see any added benefits in performance or fuel economy.
- For Boosted or High-Performance Engines: Follow your car’s recommendations. If your vehicle requires or suggests premium fuel, using it can help maintain the engine’s power, efficiency, and long-term health.
- Engine Protection: Always adhere to the fuel grade specified in your owner’s manual. This simple choice helps ensure that your engine runs smoothly, avoids harmful knocking, and stays in good condition over time.
By choosing the right fuel for your engine’s needs, you not only protect your car but also avoid unnecessary expenses. Whether you’re simply commuting or taking your car for a spirited drive, using the proper gasoline means your engine will perform as intended, keeping your ride both efficient and reliable.
Do You Know What Type of Gas Your Chevy Requires?
We hope this guide clears up your questions about using regular or premium gasoline in your Chevrolet. While most Chevys can use regular unleaded gas, a few can benefit from fuel with more octane. If you still have questions, reach out to us. We aim to be a one-stop resource for our customers by helping with all areas of car ownership. Whether you’re looking for a new Chevrolet for sale or a used vehicle, seeking vehicle financing, or searching for a place to have your Chevy serviced, we can help. We also have a growing inventory electric cars for sale! And if you need a trusted auto mechanic in Crestview, give us a call.
Woman in Yellow Shirt While Filling Up Her Car With Gasoline by Andrea Piacquadio is licensed with Pexels License
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