Premium gas makes any car run better
| Premium gas makes any car run better | |
|---|---|
| FALSE | |
| "Filling up with premium, high-octane gasoline gives any car more power, better mileage and a cleaner engine." | |
| Domain | Consumer Products & Everyday Life |
| Tactic | False Context |
| Era | Historical |
| First seen | 20th century |
| Origin | Fuel marketing and popular car lore |
| Last reviewed | 2026-10-29 |
| Further reading: books on Consumer Products & Everyday Life | |
The idea that premium gas makes any car run better is a costly myth. Octane measures a fuel's resistance to knocking, not its energy or cleanliness. Engines designed for regular fuel gain nothing from premium. AAA estimated in 2016 that US drivers had spent $2.1 billion in a year on premium fuel their cars did not need.
The claim
Drivers buy premium as a treat for their car, believing it will improve performance.
What the evidence shows
- Octane. Higher octane prevents premature ignition in high-compression or turbocharged engines designed for it.
- Tests. AAA's testing found no benefit in horsepower, fuel economy or emissions in vehicles designed for regular fuel.
- FTC advice. The Federal Trade Commission advises using the octane recommended in the owner's manual.
- Detergents. All US gasoline must contain detergents; "Top Tier" detergent levels are a separate matter from octane.
Sources
- AAA, "Fact Sheet: Premium Gasoline," September 2016.
- Federal Trade Commission, "The Low-Down on High Octane Gasoline."