When it comes to fueling your car, not all gas is created equal. Some types of gas can actually damage your car's engine, so it's important to know what to avoid. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing gas for your car:
Octane rating
The octane rating of gas indicates how resistant it is to knocking, which is a harmful condition that can occur when the air-fuel mixture in your engine ignites too early. The higher the octane rating, the more resistant the gas is to knocking. Most cars can run on regular unleaded gas with an octane rating of 87, but some high-performance cars require premium unleaded gas with an octane rating of 91 or higher. If you're not sure what octane rating your car needs, check your owner's manual.
Ethanol content
Ethanol is a type of alcohol that is often added to gas. It can help to reduce emissions, but it can also reduce your car's fuel economy. Most gas stations sell gas that contains up to 10% ethanol, but some stations sell gas that contains up to 85% ethanol. If you're not sure what ethanol content your car can handle, check your owner's manual.
Additives
Some gas stations add additives to their gas that can help to clean your engine and improve performance. However, these additives can also be harmful to your car's engine if they're not used properly. If you're not sure what additives your car can handle, check your owner's manual.
By avoiding these harmful types of gas, you can help to keep your car's engine running smoothly and efficiently.