Avoid Premium Gas Unless Your Car Requires It

The Problem

You put premium gas in because you think it's better for your car. It's not — unless it's required.

The Hack

Check your owner's manual or fuel door sticker. 'Premium Required' = use premium. 'Premium Recommended' or nothing = regular 87 octane is perfectly fine.

Why It Works

Higher octane prevents pre-detonation (knock) in high-compression engines. If your engine doesn't have high compression, premium provides zero benefit — it's the same energy per gallon.

Pro Tips

• 'Required' = use premium. 'Recommended' = regular is fine
• Premium has same energy content as regular — no 'cleaning' benefit
• Savings: $0.40-0.60/gallon × 15 gallons × 52 fill-ups = $300-470/year
• Only ~16% of cars actually require premium — check yours