Premium vs. Regular Gas: How Are They Different?

Pumping Gas
 

Do you ever wonder, “Is premium gas better than regular gas?” when you pull up to a gas station in Gastonia or Concord? You’re not alone! Most drivers choose regular gas by default, but it’s very common to wonder whether premium or regular gas is the superior choice. Rick Hendrick City Chevrolet compares premium vs. regular gas in the guide below to help you understand once and for all how they’re different!

 

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What is Premium Gasoline? 

Like regular gas, premium gas is derived from crude oil and is combustible. The primary difference between premium vs. regular gas is the octane level! Premium gas typically has an octane level of 90 or greater. Is premium gas better for your car? Premium gas is shown to keep engines cleaner, so yes, it’s not only better for your vehicle but also creates less air pollution. 

Do I Need Premium Gas? 

Check your owner’s manual for your vehicle’s octane rating. If the octane rating is 91 or higher, you should be using premium gasoline. 

What is Regular Unleaded Gasoline? 

The most commonly used gasoline is regular unleaded. Between premium or regular gas, regular gas has the lower octane rating: 87. What does the octane rating indicate? It discerns how effective gasoline is at preventing engine knocking. With its lower octane rating, regular gas is a little less effective than premium gas at reducing engine knocking.

Premium or Regular Gas: a Closer Comparison

Why do factors like octane rating matter when you’re deciding between premium or regular gas? Learn more, below.

  • Octane Rating: As the octane level increases, the risk of engine knocking decreases. Engine knocking, also known as pre-ignition, is less common in vehicles using premium gas.
  • Engine Suitability: Is premium gas better? Actually, if your car’s engine has a low compression ratio, regular unleaded gas is the better choice because it burns faster. Conversely, engines with higher compression ratios are better served by premium gas.
  • Price: As you’ve likely noticed at gas stations around Rock Hill, SC, premium gas is more expensive than regular gas by as much as 20 to 40 cents per gallon.

Before you choose premium or regular gas during your next trip to the gas station, keep these tips in mind:

  • “Do I need premium gas?” If your car doesn’t specifically require premium gas, then paying extra for it won’t do much for your vehicle in the end. It’s smarter to stick with regular unleaded in this case. 
  • If your vehicle does require premium gas and you accidentally use regular gas, it shouldn’t cause any damage. That said, you shouldn’t make a habit of it! Premium gas is often recommended in luxury vehicles to help them deliver the high-level performance they promise.
  • In addition to some luxury vehicles, vehicles with turbochargers also tend to require premium gas.

Contact Us with Additional Questions!

There’s quite a lot to understand about the differences between premium vs. regular gas! We understand if you still have some questions and we’re happy to answer them. Contact us to strike a conversation, and check out more tips and tricks from our service team to continue learning about your daily driver!

 

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*Example stock number #T88517. Savings include dealer discount and all available OEM incentives. Savings vary by model and stock number. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Not available with other lease and / or finance offers. Take new retail delivery by 11/30/26. **0% APR for 60 months. Finance charges accrue from date of financing, as applicable. Deferred monthly payments for 104 days. Monthly payment is $16.67 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment: 6.5%. Must finance with GM Financial. Down payment required at signing, if applicable. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 11/30/26.

*Example stock number #T88517. Savings include dealer discount and all available OEM incentives. Savings vary by model and stock number. Offer does not include tax, tag, title, fees, and other dealer installed options. Not available with other lease and / or finance offers. Take new retail delivery by 11/30/26. **0% APR for 60 months. Finance charges accrue from date of financing, as applicable. Deferred monthly payments for 104 days. Monthly payment is $16.67 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment: 6.5%. Must finance with GM Financial. Down payment required at signing, if applicable. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 11/30/26.

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*Offer ends 11/30/2026. See participating GM Dealerships for details and list of tire brands. Purchase and installation must be made at a participating U.S. GM Dealer. Highest or equal value tire will be $1. Maximum consumer purchase price of $450 per tire. Additional taxes and fees may apply. Offer subject to availability and may change at any time. Limit one offer per VIN. No other tire offers apply. DEALER INSTRUCTIONS: For each valid tire offer redeemed at your dealership 10/1/2026-11/30/2026, claims for reimbursement can be submitted via the GM Tire Central website.
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