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My usage results.....Jun 05 '00 Write an essay on this topic.The debate over Low, Mid and High Octane has been going on as long as I can remember and to this date, it's still a matter of personal opinion in most situations, unless your car manufacturer requires/requests that you use a higher octane for more fuel efficiency or better engine running. I have a 1998 Toyota Camry. The dealership recommends using the low octane since it won't effect the overall running of the car. The Camry was designed to run on lower octane fuels to further assist the consumer in saving some money (that quoted by Toyota themselves). I typically put the middle to high end grade in my vehicle, just for my personal choice. The reasons why include: 1. Middle and above grade tends to make my engine run smoother. I can tell a slight difference with the middle grade but a bigger difference with the high grade. The engine doesn't sound as loud and the car doesn't "shake" so to speak at stop lights. My dealership says it's because the higher grade gases are designed to be more pure and with this, they have less "garbage" so to speak in them that cause engine to sputter some. 2. Fuel economy. Regardless of what anyone says, I get more mileage out of a full tank of middle grade gasoline and even a little more out of the high end octane. This I have tested several times over and know that it's true. I don't know the reasons why unless it's just the purer form of gaoline or what but I get: A. 24-26 miles per gallon out of low grade gasoline B. 28-30 miles per gallon out of middle grade gasoline C. 33-35 miles per gallon out of high grade gasoline 3. Cooler operating temperatures. When running the middle to higher end octanes, I end up having a car that runs a little cooler. The temperature gauge registers lower than the low end grade and the radiator doesn't kick on near as often when sitting in tons of traffic idling. This, to me, is a benefit so that you don't wear your car out as quickly. When I asked Toyota about this, they referred back to the cleaner burning, more pure form of gas that I am using. Overall, I think the debate can go on for years with no one ever knowing the real answer. I know I use the mid to high (depending on the price) and if I do happen to use the low end (due to paying $1.89 a gallon), I will add a can of Octane boost to the tank for added value. That's my epinion and I'm sticking to it, hehehe.  |
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