Premium vs. Regular Fuel

[buickmn]

I just bought my new Verano Turbo automatic. It feels really smooth to drive and I am happy with it. Its almost time for my first fueling and I am wondering if I should really go for premium fuel.

Someone did any comparison of the MPGs on regular (89) and premium (91) fuel ?

I know there are lot of threads on mpg but I could not find if there was something on premium vs regular fuel on this car.

PS: I see that Buick recommends premium fuel. But just wondering what would be the downside of using regular gas.

Thanks

 

[jimmyh]

They recommend premium, because if any detonation/knock is detected with the lower octane fuel, the ecm will lower the timing, thereby reducing power and efficiency. With higher octane fuel, the chance for detonation is almost nil.

It all comes down to whether your particular engine gets any knock with regular fuel. If it does, you will know it when you next fuel up because your fuel economy will be noticeably less than normal. If your economy is about the same (assuming same commute, driving style, conditions, etc) then no knock, no timing pull, and you should be fine on regular.

Personally, I use premium on my Camaro. I believe there was an economy difference, though it's hard to say. But to me, the $250 or so I would save per year isn't worth any potential risk.

 

[Thinkmatt]

I just got my Verano Turbo about 3 weeks ago. I'm guessing the dealer didn't put premium in it. After 2 tanks of 93 (I'd try to put 92/93 in it as much as possible), the computer caught on to the improved octane and I saw 3-4 mpg increase. This was over similar commutes for all but the first tank. I weighed this same thought, and if you figure you pay $0.30 per gal more (usually), that's $4.20 per tank more than regular. I'm about a once a week fill-up guy, so that's $218/year more I spend on premium. The fuel economy and performance is worth the small investment in a cleaner, better engine.

 

[KShef]

not likely that you'll see a mpg difference...performance is another story, there's only so much you can do with 87oct.

 

[NormT]

WASP has experiemented with them on the highway.

http://buickforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29646

 

[buickmn]

This is an interesting discussion. Sounds like there might not be a big mpg difference if any that is evident right away.

WASP has experiemented with them on the highway.

http://buickforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29646

But using premium gas sounds like a good option from what others have mentioned here. I am assuming the dealer did not fill premium.

I was using regular gas and was not all that particular about the ethanol mix for my Jeep Grand Cherokee. Now I will have to search for a good fuel station near where I live.