Stratford Auto Repair

When it comes to fueling up your car, you’ve probably noticed the different octane ratings at the pump—typically 87, 89, and 91 or 93. It’s easy to wonder if using higher-octane fuel might offer benefits beyond the usual fill-up, like better performance or better fuel efficiency, saving money in the long run. But is premium fuel worth the extra cost? What Is High-Octane Fuel? Octane ratings measure a fuel’s ability to resist "knocking" during combustion. Knocking, also known as pre-detonation, occurs when fuel ignites prematurely in the engine, leading to a pinging noise and reduced efficiency. The higher the octane rating, the better the fuel is at resisting this unwanted detonation. High-octane fuel, usually 91 or 93, is designed to handle the higher pressure in performance engines found in sports cars or luxury vehicles. These engines require premium fuel for optimal operation because they are built to maximize power output, whic ... read more