When you step back to compare grades of gasoline, you will see why some fuels are cheaper than others and how certain grades affect your vehicle. Although all types of gasoline are sourced from oil, the specific treatment and chemicals added to the oil is what determines particular purpose and grade. Using the proper fuel grade in your automobile helps to ensure its efficiency and protects the motor from excessive friction and overheating. The following information will help you understand the differences between the available grades of fuel.
The history of gasoline
Gas was once marketed in tiny bottles as a head lice remedy. Gasoline began to be used for fueling cars in the 1920s and it was leaded to help boost the efficiency of car motors. Fuel grades were also first developed during this period, beginning with two different grades: regular and plus. These gasoline grades were applied based on the amount of octane a fuel held.
The grades of fuel
There are currently three primary grades of fuel available in the U.S. which includes regular, plus, and premium. The best fuel grade for your vehicle is based on its particular manufacturer, so there is no gain to using premium gas if the maker specifies regular.
Identifying fuel grades
Regular, plus, and premium fuel grades are all distinguished by how much octane they contain. Octane amounts indicate how volatile a particular grade of gasoline is. Regular gas carries an octane level rating between 85 and 88, with an average rating of 87. Plus grade gas carries an 88 to 90 octane level rating, with an 89 average. Premium gas comes with a 90 plus octane rating that averages out to about 92.
How different fuel grades burn
Fuels of different grades will not burn the same way. The less octane a fuel contains, the easier it burns. For machines and vehicles controlled by powertrains, the motors are created to consume the ideal amount of fuel at all times. The specific grade of fuel does not have much impact on a car’s overall performance in this case. Although all grades of gasoline produce similar levels of heat power, their rates of combustion can vary.
Benefits of different grades
The grade of a fuel lets you know how readily it will combust inside of your engine. Fuels with lower levels of octane usually burn faster and stronger when they are pressurized, which produces a ticking or knocking noise in your motor. Car motors that run on regular gas are designed to apply the ideal amount of pressure to prevent internal knocking sounds.
SUVs often run best on plus to premium fuels, as their motors are intended to produce more fuel compression for enhanced drivability. However, it is always best to check with the manufacturer or manual about the correct grade of fuel. There is no extra advantage to using plus or premium grades of gasoline if your automobile is designed to use a regular fuel grade.
If you would like to learn more about the different grades of fuel or about wholesale fuel, contact the professionals at Kendrick Oil today. You can call us at (800) 299-3991 or Contact Us by email for more information about our products and services. We have locations in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and Louisiana.
