Do you find yourself wondering what the difference is between premium and regular gas? Or have you asked yourself if adding premium gas to your new or used vehicle would hurt it? At Elgin Hyundai, we're glad your curious internet search brought you to us! Read along with Elgin Hyundai as we discuss the differences between premium vs regular gas in Elgin. To begin, we'll cover the differences in each kind of gasoline.

What Is Premium Gasoline? 

The difference between premium and regular gas mostly boils down to the type of vehicle you have or want to buy. Premium gas is recommended for high performance vehicles that you use to pull heavy loads on your South Elgin jobsite or for racing on tracks near Streamwood. The reason premium gas is preferred for high-performance vehicles is because it has a higher octane level than regular gas. With an octane level of around 93, premium gas keeps performance engines cleaner and creates less pollution. 

What Is Regular Gas?

Regular gas is what most commuters in Bartlett use when they fill up their gas tanks. When it comes to premium gas vs regular gas, regular gas is less expensive, but also has a lower octane level of about 87. However, this doesn't mean that regular gas will clog your engine or cause damage to your engine over time. Regular gas is ideal for most vehicles to get from point A to point B and anywhere in between.

Differences Between Premium and Regular Gas

As you probably noticed there are different benefits to using either premium or regular gas for your vehicle, but you may still have questions on which gas is better or about the fuels themselves. We've answered some common questions about premium vs regular gas for Elgin customers below:

  • What is Premium And Regular Gas Made of? Both premium and regular gas are made from crude oil. Premium gas goes through extra refinement to receive a higher octane level.

  • Why Does Premium Gas Cost More Than Regular? Premium gas costs more due to its higher octane level. The fuel components that boost octane levels require more to produce. 

  • Why Does An Octane Level Matter? The higher the octane level, the cleaner the fuel is. The high octane level in premium gas reduces pre-ignition or "engine-knocking." Pre-ignition is harmful to your car over time. 

  • Is Premium Gas Better For My Vehicle? If you use your vehicle for a daily commute or the occasional road trip, then no. Premium gas is made for performance vehicles to lower engine-knocking and prioritize performance. Regular vehicles won't see any additional side effects or benefits from performance fuel. Keeping to your vehicle's maintenance schedule is the best way to maintain and improve your vehicle's performance. 

If you're unsure if you should use premium vs regular gas for your Hyundai vehicle, refer to your vehicle's owners manual to see which fuel your vehicle needs. 

Service Your Vehicle at Elgin Hyundai!

If you need to have your engine serviced or if you just need regular maintenance, the service center at Elgin Hyundai is here to help you keep your vehicle in its best condition. Schedule a service appointment and chat with a technician, then read our DIY car maintenance tips for more car care tips.Â