How to Choose the Right Fuel for Your Car

A number of fuel grades, octanes and additives are now available at most gas stations. Which ones are right for you?

Things You'll Need

  • Owner's Manuals
  • Check your owner's manual to find out what fuel is recommended. Regular unleaded's 87 octane rating is fine for most modern cars.

  • Save your money and stick with regular unleaded unless another grade is suggested.

  • Use high octane fuel in motorcycles, luxury and high performance vehicles, which usually require premium grades. Check your owners manual for specific recommendations.

  • High octane fuel is not only used for high performance cars, but also for cars with smaller engines that generate more horsepower through high compression. These engines require high octane fuel so that predetonation doesn't occur, which can permanently destroy the pistons.