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GasBuddy News Article

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Premium might not be the best choice at the pump

Medill Reports -- Drivers pay extra to pump midgrade or premium gas into their tanks nearly 15 percent of the time, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

No figures track the exact number of people who fill regular tanks with premium gas for a perceived performance bump. But as the country increasingly looks for big ways to conserve energy, smaller targets also beckon. Shifting gears away from premium gasoline is an obvious move.

Patrick Kelly — a policy adviser at the American Petroleum Group, the country’s largest trade association for producers of oil and natural gas — offers a crash course in “Gasoline 101,” explaining what gasoline octane means, what makes premium gas “premium,” and whether overusing it takes an added toll on the environment.

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Submitted Aug 28, 2010 By: BurntOrange

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vandamme Champion Author New York Posts:1,021 Points:118,085 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Aug 30, 2010 9:13:59 AM Ignore vandamme Report Abuse I wonder if the same people who buy premium needlessly also buy lottery tickets.
remay Champion Author Houston Posts:4,711 Points:1,657,745 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 8:58:38 PM Ignore remay Report Abuse interesting article...
ScottTee Champion Author Detroit Posts:2,098 Points:604,225 Joined:Mar 2010	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 11:15:41 AM Ignore ScottTee Report Abuse I have been saying this since premium became more popular
JimTee Champion Author Tampa Posts:2,322 Points:1,191,700 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 10:22:22 AM Ignore JimTee Report Abuse Know what your car requires to run properly and avoid spending more for high grade gas.
kingofcode Champion Author Florida Posts:1,554 Points:437,585 Joined:Jun 2010	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 10:21:16 AM Ignore kingofcode Report Abuse my van works great on Regular never any problems with it
Martinman Champion Author Mississippi Posts:11,808 Points:1,661,385 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 8:37:30 AM Ignore Martinman Report Abuse There is a difference in the performance between the three grades of gasoline. The issue is whether your engine needs it.
ENORMS Champion Author Colorado Posts:3,014 Points:1,174,060 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 8:17:16 AM Ignore ENORMS Report Abuse Top tier fuels will produce more mpg to offset the difference in price when compared to "discount" gas station grades of fuel.
SAVEITIL Champion Author Chicago Posts:2,950 Points:705,565 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 2:40:14 AM Ignore SAVEITIL Report Abuse Follow manufacturers recommendation.
runout9 Champion Author New Jersey Posts:3,159 Points:961,625 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 1:41:25 AM Ignore runout9 Report Abuse My two Camrys run just fine on regular. On a recent trip up to Cape Cod & back, my 2009 averaged 32.7 miles per gallon.
OnTheWater Champion Author Orange County Posts:2,123 Points:622,380 Joined:Nov 2009	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 1:25:16 AM Ignore OnTheWater Report Abuse You know back in July when I traveled to Arizona gas was so much cheaper there way cheaper than here in So Cal, 30 cents cheaper even their premium was cheaper than what I was paying for regular back here at home so I put premium in my 1997 GMC Sierra Truck for the ride back home and it didnt run any better or get any better mileage so I'll just stick to regular from now on!!
96sc1 Champion Author El Paso Posts:7,440 Points:1,144,955 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 1:22:13 AM Ignore 96sc1 Report Abuse It never even occurred to me to put premium in my POS.
roadrunnerMO Champion Author Kansas Posts:6,001 Points:1,235,210 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 1:15:21 AM Ignore roadrunnerMO Report Abuse My vehicles work fine on regular... just not biofuels.
REKEY Champion Author South Carolina Posts:6,221 Points:1,236,505 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 1:12:20 AM Ignore REKEY Report Abuse My choice has always been regular. The car drives better on regular.
caddilac Champion Author Ontario Posts:13,800 Points:1,675,505 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 1:10:50 AM Ignore caddilac Report Abuse If the owner's manual says 'regular gas' then that is what you should be using because you won't gain anything from using a higher grade. Your engine doesn't need the higher octane because it has a lower compression ratio.
faulkc05 All-Star Author Atlanta Posts:562 Points:193,540 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 1:05:41 AM Ignore faulkc05 Report Abuse I don't use premium, have never used it, don't plan on using it.
jimgraham Champion Author Akron Posts:7,981 Points:1,516,195 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 1:04:57 AM Ignore jimgraham Report Abuse 3 of my cars require premium - and get much better mileage with it over regular or mid grade. The others either run fine on regular or on E35 - not E85, E35.
bby Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:3,604 Points:605,595 Joined:Nov 2009	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 1:04:51 AM Ignore bby Report Abuse If the car does not require premium, dont put premium!
N5EXY Champion Author Austin Posts:3,210 Points:1,049,005 Joined:Jul 2004	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 1:04:44 AM Ignore N5EXY Report Abuse YeahBut - owning a premium car is a good choice.
Focus2 Champion Author Illinois Posts:6,311 Points:1,632,865 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 12:55:26 AM Ignore Focus2 Report Abuse I always buy regular and most of it contains ethanol, but we still pay a PREMIUM price.
Quick68 Champion Author Columbus Posts:4,859 Points:761,825 Joined:Dec 2009	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 12:48:32 AM Ignore Quick68 Report Abuse This is America people can't read the owners manual.
10k Champion Author North Carolina Posts:16,625 Points:1,790,795 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 12:36:30 AM Ignore 10k Report Abuse my owner's manual says 87 octane GASOLINE-NOT ETHANOL !!!..
Bus561 Champion Author Lexington Posts:14,086 Points:2,755,055 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 12:34:30 AM Ignore Bus561 Report Abuse You are not supposed to burn anything in the vehicle other than what the manufacturer recommends in the owners manual. Any other use of higher octanes will most likely result in damage to your intakes and does nothing for the performance of the vehicle. Most vehicles only require 87 octane gasoline.
TheSicilian Champion Author Jacksonville Posts:3,036 Points:1,005,250 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 12:32:50 AM Ignore TheSicilian Report Abuse don't need premium unless the engine knocks I never use it
panama303 All-Star Author Denver Posts:790 Points:267,120 Joined:Jan 2005	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 12:30:15 AM Ignore panama303 Report Abuse I would not use any more expensive fuel. I am skeptical of the value. I think it is all hogwash.
srchr Champion Author San Jose Posts:4,884 Points:1,163,850 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 12:27:59 AM Ignore srchr Report Abuse if your car doesn't knock, and most don't, then just use regular. i've got 220,000 miles on my mercedes v8 on regular gas and it says it has to have premium. probably wouldn't be able to make its advertised 130 mph on regular.
tedjm1 Champion Author New York Posts:3,555 Points:392,610 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 12:26:52 AM Ignore tedjm1 Report Abuse Using Premium in a car built for Regular does not give you any more power or mileage. It is a waste of money.
mynt Champion Author Ottawa Posts:2,960 Points:610,205 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 12:26:01 AM Ignore mynt Report Abuse Why pay more money for gas than is necessary??
outlaw329 Champion Author Austin Posts:5,294 Points:934,345 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 12:25:10 AM Ignore outlaw329 Report Abuse Purchase what is intended for your car and save the rest that you would be spending. You never know with the village idiot still around you might need it.
turbosaab Champion Author Cleveland Posts:14,953 Points:1,948,040 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 12:23:48 AM Ignore turbosaab Report Abuse If your engine is designed to run on lower octane gas, then it is a waste of money. My car is designed to run best with premium. I get substantially better gas mileage (and performance) with premium gas.
Blue_Cruzer Champion Author Lexington Posts:5,167 Points:1,205,650 Joined:Mar 2007	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 12:18:36 AM Ignore Blue_Cruzer Report Abuse Some people have more money to burn, than brains
Huskersed All-Star Author Atlanta Posts:703 Points:337,950 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Aug 29, 2010 12:17:22 AM Ignore Huskersed Report Abuse It's just a psychological thing. If your car doesn't require premium, safe the few bucks to buy Starbucks Frappucinno.
fuelconscious Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:2,082 Points:538,870 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Aug 28, 2010 11:39:51 PM Ignore fuelconscious Report Abuse Now for those of us who own a high performance sports car, we have no other choice if it calls for 91 octane only.
graceman Champion Author Baltimore Posts:3,240 Points:821,090 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Aug 28, 2010 11:03:23 PM Ignore graceman Report Abuse its is a bunch of bull,as most cars are made to take regular gas
investmentdr Champion Author Cleveland Posts:1,816 Points:1,001,260 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Aug 28, 2010 10:40:12 PM Ignore investmentdr Report Abuse when has it ever been the "best"?
jjjleblanc Champion Author Rochester Posts:4,359 Points:1,102,425 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Aug 28, 2010 9:42:44 PM Ignore jjjleblanc Report Abuse Follow the manufacturers specifications.
alterman156 Champion Author New York Posts:5,100 Points:1,093,025 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: Aug 28, 2010 9:02:54 PM Ignore alterman156 Report Abuse I don't even bother to put premium in my car since the owners manual doesn't call for it.
car253 Champion Author Ohio Posts:4,199 Points:1,033,400 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Aug 28, 2010 8:35:12 PM Ignore car253 Report Abuse Read your owners manual and it will specify the type of gas required.
Lugi1967 Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,600 Points:546,470 Joined:Jun 2010	Message Posted: Aug 28, 2010 8:21:22 PM Ignore Lugi1967 Report Abuse I think it is just profit added grade
NekoSJG Champion Author San Jose Posts:3,240 Points:572,755 Joined:Jun 2010	Message Posted: Aug 28, 2010 7:14:14 PM Ignore NekoSJG Report Abuse I wonder how they determined that drivers used choice to purchase premium. Why couldn't the article include how many cars require premium so to underpin the keyword 'choice'.
SBlouch Champion Author San Antonio Posts:6,902 Points:1,473,805 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Aug 28, 2010 5:26:45 PM Ignore SBlouch Report Abuse This was a very good article and I learned something new from reading it.
cssco Champion Author Virginia Posts:4,927 Points:1,289,970 Joined:Feb 2006	Message Posted: Aug 28, 2010 5:12:16 PM Ignore cssco Report Abuse P.T.Barnum said it best, their is one born every minute.
cssco Champion Author Virginia Posts:4,927 Points:1,289,970 Joined:Feb 2006	Message Posted: Aug 28, 2010 5:11:55 PM Ignore cssco Report Abuse P.T.Barnum said it best, their is one born every minute.
MacDad614 Champion Author Atlanta Posts:1,758 Points:790,390 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Aug 28, 2010 5:04:29 PM Ignore MacDad614 Report Abuse My wife's car as well as my daughter's car both state that Premium gasoline is required. However, they both use plus / mid-grade gasoline. As long as the driver doesn't floor it, the car performs fine. Once on a trip into the Rockies, my 1967 Mustang (V-8, 289 ci) was knocking. In an effort to reduce / eliminate the knocking, I tried premium since it is composed of more complex molecules and is slower-burning. It didn't help.
2gjh Champion Author North Dakota Posts:2,329 Points:2,190,200 Joined:Nov 2003	Message Posted: Aug 28, 2010 5:03:31 PM Ignore 2gjh Report Abuse The world is full of people who won't take the time to read this article but will keep on using premium.
thirstyauto Champion Author Milwaukee Posts:10,617 Points:1,154,745 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Aug 28, 2010 5:03:16 PM Ignore thirstyauto Report Abuse If your vehicle is not tuned to run on premium, it's NOT a good choice!
lightbulbman2008 Champion Author Worcester Posts:188,500 Points:1,122,125 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Aug 28, 2010 5:02:35 PM Ignore lightbulbman2008 Report Abuse I don't use the stuff much too expensive for me.!!!!
30mpg80 Champion Author Lexington Posts:4,512 Points:1,023,920 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Aug 28, 2010 4:59:51 PM Ignore 30mpg80 Report Abuse Well, duh!
FallieDog Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:8,804 Points:1,335,825 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Aug 28, 2010 4:58:24 PM Ignore FallieDog Report Abuse I think the number is actually a lot lower. Many people MUST use premium octane gasoline for such things as outboard motors, Personal watercraft, snowmobiles, high performance vehicles, etc. I can't see anyone simply pumping premium into a normal vehicle. That would be stupid.
HawaiianGuy Champion Author Idaho Posts:7,186 Points:2,620,090 Joined:May 2003	Message Posted: Aug 28, 2010 4:58:19 PM Ignore HawaiianGuy Report Abuse I keep trying to dissuade my sister from using premium in her car, asking her to at least try a tankful of regular and see if her engine knocks. She won't do it. "It's written in the Owners Manual to use premium, so that's what I'll use." Ay-yay-yay! What a waste.
Fitwit Champion Author Stockton Posts:4,370 Points:944,550 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: Aug 28, 2010 4:57:47 PM Ignore Fitwit Report Abuse Not an issue for me, I never get premium or midgrade.