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3 minute read Published on Jul 21, 2026 by BrokerLink Communications
If you’ve ever gassed up your vehicle at a gas station, you’ve probably noticed that you have more than one option when arriving at the pump. Namely, you can choose between filling up your car with regular or premium gas. But what’s the difference between premium gas and regular gas? We answer this question below.
An octane rating refers to how well fuel resists knocking (uncontrolled combustion before spark plug fires or fuel stability). A higher octane rating means the fuel has more resistance. In Canada, common types of pump labels will look like the following:
87 AKI (regular gas): Suitable for more vehicle engines.
89 AKI (mid-grade gasoline): Recommended for high-demand vehicle activities like towing.
91 to 93 AKI (premium): Ideal for high-performance vehicles or turbo engines.
Ultimately, the right octane rating for your vehicle depends on your engine and prices for each fuel will vary.
Important: A higher octane rating doesn’t mean the fuel has more energy or is necessarily cleaner; these characteristics come from detergents and additives that are added later on.
Internal combustion engines compress air and fuel before the ignition process. If these two components ignite too early (knocking), it can reduce engine power and increase stress on your car’s mechanics. Take a look:
High compression and turbocharged engines in high-performance cars generate more pressure and need higher octane levels to prevent engine knocking.
ECUs and knock sensors in modern vehicles adjust ignition timing, but can reduce power and fuel economy.
One thing to remember is that octane allows your vehicle’s engine to perform as it was designed to. It doesn’t make your engine more powerful or fuel efficient.
The best place to determine whether or not your vehicle requires premium gas is your owner’s manual, which should outline the following information:
Required: Must use premium octane to avoid engine knocking, vehicle damage and warranty issues.
Recommended: Regular gas is acceptable, but premium gasoline may help vehicle performance levels and fuel efficiency.
Acceptable/unspecified: Premium gas does not provide any benefits to the engine.
If you can’t locate your owner’s manual, there should be a label on your fuel door.
Some engines that use regular gas may benefit from premium gasoline when:
They are towing or hauling heavy loads.
In extreme summer temperatures.
Driving on rugged terrain with higher RPMs.
Remember that increasing octane ratings in these situations should only be temporary.
Take note of these premium vs. regular myths and realities below:
Myth
Reality
Premium gasoline always boosts engine power.
Only engines designed for premium fuel will benefit from it.
Premium gas cleans your engine better than regular gasoline.
Detergents matter, not octane level.
Premium gas improves fuel economy.
Most regular gas engines will not experience any improvement in fuel efficiency by using premium gas.
Premium fuel helps if used infrequently.
There are really no proven benefits to using premium gas unless engine knock is present.
Not sure which gas to choose? Ensure you do the following:
Check your owner’s manual for precise wording (required vs recommended).
Ask yourself:
Do you have a turbo or high-compression engine?
Are you towing a heavy load or driving in extreme temperatures?
Reference “Top Tier” fuel for detergents and additives regardless of octane level.
So, what happens when you accidentally fill your car with regular gas instead of premium gas? Don’t panic. Here’s what you need to do:
Avoid accelerating harshly.
Then, pull into the nearest gas station and fill the remaining space in your fuel tank with regular gas.
When driving, monitor engine knocking.
In vice versa scenarios, where you accidentally use premium vs regular gas, there really is no harm done. It’ll just cost you more money to fill your tank. Regardless, keep an eye on engine knocking and always consult your owner’s manual if you have questions about your vehicle or engine. And remember, don’t neglect routine vehicle maintenance to ensure your engine operates as efficiently as possible.
When you’re a car owner, there are so many decisions you have to make, like choosing a hybrid vs gas vehicle or deciding between premium and regular fuel. Thankfully, the BrokerLink team is here to help you make these hard decisions and more.
As car insurance experts, we promise to match you with personalized coverage that meets your needs and will protect you in the event of an auto accident. One of our licensed insurance advisors will ensure you have mandatory coverage and will even recommend additional protection, like comprehensive car coverage. Get in touch today for a free auto insurance quote.
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