Edmunds.com put this question to experts in several fields, including an automotive engineer at a major carmaker, gasoline manufacturers and two engineers with the American Automobile Association (AAA). It boils down to this: You can stop worrying about cheap gas. You're unlikely to hurt your car by using it.

What happens if you put cheap gas?

It won't increase performance or gas mileage. It will continue to burn it at the rate needed for your vehicle. However, if your vehicle requires premium and you put in a lower grade, you can have what is termed “engine knock.” This happens when gas combusts prematurely and throws the balance off in engine timing.

Is cheaper gas lower quality?

Cheaper gas might end up costing drivers in the long run, according to AAA. The automotive group found significant differences in the quality of gasoline sold at fuel retailers in recent testing.

What cheap gas does to your car?

SACRAMENTO, Calif — Lower quality, off-brand gas can be bad for your engine, reports the American Automobile Association (AAA), with the potential to increase emissions from your vehicle that can impact its performance.

Is more expensive gas better for your car?

If your car doesn't require premium, fill up with regular.

In a consumer notice, the Federal Trade Commission, notes: “In most cases, using a higher-octane gasoline than your owner's manual recommends offers absolutely no benefit. It won't make your car perform better, go faster, get better mileage or run cleaner.”

Cheap Gasoline is Destroying Your Car's Engine - Here's How

Is premium gas really necessary?

If your car doesn't ping using regular, then there's no reason to use premium. The anti-knock level is just fine for your engine. And today's advanced engine controls adjust the engine's timing and fuel mixture to compensate for differing octane levels to prevent pinging or knocking. Many cars only require regular gas.

What happens if you put 93 instead of 87?

Most cars on the road recommend a standard grade 87 or 89. Premium gas 90-93 is completely okay to put in a standard vehicle. Car experts say there is no risk of damage to a standard car using premium fuel.

Does the brand of gas matter?

Yes, it does matter, because some brands contain more detergent additives that can prevent carbon deposits from forming inside your engine. These are the so-called Top Tier brands that use considerably more detergent and/or additives than is required by the EPA.

Which gas station has best quality gas?

Gas Stations With The Best Quality Gas

• #1. Editor's Pick: Chevron. By far, Chevron has the best quality gas in the United States. ...
• #2. Costco. While you might think of Costco as a bargain brand store, they have some of the best quality gas in America. ...
• #3. Shell. ...
• #4. Exxon. ...
• #5. Mobil. ...
• #6. Texaco. ...
• #7. BP. ...
• #8. Marathon.

Does cheap gas run out faster?

In a word, no. On its own paying for premium gasoline does not make your car run better or get greater gas mileage. Giving your car the fuel it requires to run smoothly and efficiently, without damage to the engine, does make a difference in your fuel mileage.

Does Top Tier gas really matter?

Our tests found no differences in performance or fuel economy between the two. And if a retailer sells Top Tier fuel, all octane grades from regular to premium gasoline and diesel must adhere to the Top Tier standards. So it is not necessary for drivers to upgrade to premium to gain the cleansing benefits.

Is Shell gas better?

Is Shell gas better? Shell gas is a Top Tier gasoline and is better than off-brand gasoline as it uses additives to keep the engine clean. The Shell V-Power is a great choice for vehicles needing high octane fuel and can be beneficial for cars with turbo and supercharging injectors.

Are different brands of gas better?

There's no such thing as “better gas.” Companies like Chevron try to tell you their gasoline is superior because it has Techron in it. However, all gas has detergents that prevent clogging in the fuel injector, and no brand of gas is better quality than any other for your vehicle.

What if I accidentally put 87 instead of 91?

“Use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating of 91 or higher. If the octane rating is less than 91, you could damage the engine and may void your vehicle warranty. If heavy knocking is heard when using gasoline rated at 91 octane or higher, the engine needs service.”

What happens if I use lower-octane gas?

If you mistakenly fill up with regular fuel, your car's ECU will adjust engine timing and performance to work with the lower-octane fuel. In most cases, this is ok for the times when there are no premium pumps around, but it's not ideal to run the cheapest fuel possible for extended periods of time.

Does regular gas mess up your car?

“If you mistakenly fill up with regular fuel, your car's ECU will adjust engine timing and performance to work with the lower-octane fuel,” The Drive said. “In most cases, this is OK for the times when there are no premium pumps around, but it's not ideal to run the cheapest fuel possible for extended periods of time.”

Who has the cleanest gasoline?

5 Gas Stations with the Best Quality Fuel

• Shell.
• Costco.
• Mobil.
• Chevron.
• Sinclair.

Does premium gas last longer?

Sadly, there's nothing in premium gasoline that would make it last longer than other fuels from the pump. Since the distinguishing feature is the higher-octane levels, the only real benefit you gain is lowering the chance of engine knocking, which isn't much of a threat on most modern fuel systems.

What kind of gas should I put in my car?

For the vast majority of American drivers, regular unleaded gasoline is all they need to use. However, most gas pumps also have premium and/or mid-grade gasoline that cost a little bit more, and have a little bit higher octane rating.

Is BP or Shell gas better?

BP has more proved reserves compared with Shell and has also been consistent in maintaining it's reserves volume over the last ten years. The average proven oil and gas reserves of BP over the last ten years are approximately 20% higher compared to Shell.

Is Shell V Power the best gas?

Shell V-Power NiTRO+ Premium Gasoline is engineered with four levels of defense against gunk, corrosion, wear and friction to help keep your engine running like new. * This patented formula is our best, most advanced fuel ever.

Do some gas stations water down their gas?

Faulty gas pumps mean you could be buying watered down gas, gas with sediment in it, or getting less gas than you pay for. Faulty gas pumps mean you could be buying watered down gas, gas with sediment in it, or getting less gas than you pay for.

Is it OK to mix 87 and 93 gas?

If you usually fill your tank up with 87-octane gasoline and you accidentally put in a higher octane blend (say, 91, 92, or 93), don't worry. You're actually filling your car or truck with a different blend of gas, which means it will burn differently in your engine.

Will mixing premium and regular gas mess up your car?

Can I mix premium and unleaded gas? Yes, drivers can mix the two types of fuel. The combined gas types will result in an octane level somewhere in the middle — something the vehicle “will survive,” according to The Drive.

Does premium gas clean your engine?

Nope. Regular, plus, and premium gas all come with detergents to mitigate against carbon deposits in your engine. Plus and premium don't come with special powers for cleaning out the engine. If you're interested in cleaning out your engine, you're better off taking it in for service.