• Home
  • Denver Auto Repair Services
    • Full Service Oil Change
    • Automatic Transmission
    • Fuel System Cleaning
    • Radiator Flush Service
    • Wiper Blades
    • Air Filter
    • Cabin Air Filter
    • Gearbox Service
    • Brake Repair
    • Clutches
    • CV Boots
    • Tune-Up
    • Steering & Suspension
    • Tires
  • Auto Diagnostic
  • Contact Us
    • About Us
  • Shop Specials
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • 303-691-2760

Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

  • Brake Service
  • Car Maintenance
    • Heating-Air Conditioning
    • Suspension
    • Transmission
    • Engine
    • Tires
  • Oil Change
  • Tips & Tricks

Gasoline Octane Ratings

September 24, 2011 by Denver Express Car Care Leave a Comment

At a time when it is so important to get the most out of our money we need to understand gasoline octane ratings and how they can effect our wallets!

Since the mid 80’s engines have used fuel injectors with computers to accurately control their air/fuel mix.  The accuracy of the fuel injectors and computers is based on using the proper gasoline for that engine.  The difference in the name and price of the fuel is based on the gasoline’s “octane”.   To determine a gasoline’s octane rating, it is subjected to two testing methods, the motor method and the research method.  The motor method runs the gasoline in an engine running under load and the research method runs the gasoline in a free-running engine.  The octane rating is an average of  the two tests.

Regular gasoline has an octane rating of at least 87.  The octane rating of ” Mid-grade” gasoline ranges from 88 to 90.  “Premium” gasoline rating can vary depending on the state where it is purchased but must be higher than 90 in most states.

The octane rating tells you how much the fuel can be compressed before it spontaneously ignites.  When gas ignites by compression rather than because of the spark from the spark plug, it causes knocking in the engine.  Simply put, the octane rating of gasoline is a measure of its resistance to knock.

Most cars today are designed to run on Regular  87 octane gasoline, but it’s important to check your owner’s manual so you know that you are using the level of octane the manufacturer recommends for your vehicle.  Some people think if you put a higher octane gasoline in your car, you can increase the engine’s power or get better mileage.  This is a myth.  If your car is designed to run on 87 octane, high octane gasoline won’t improve mileage or increase your car’s power.  If your engine runs well and doesn’t knock or ping on low octane gasoline, there isn’t an advantage in switching to a higher octane gasoline.  So save your money at the pump and don’t pay premium prices for something that your car doesn’t need!

 

For all of your Denver Auto Repair needs, trust Express Car Care. Call (303) 691-2760 or stop by our shop today.

Filed Under: Denver Auto Repair, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Gasoline Octane Ratings

Express Car Care
4200 E. Evans Ave. Denver, CO (map)
Phone: (303) 691-2760
Located just southeast of the Colorado Light Rail station

Follow Us Today!

  • Facebook
  • RSS

Shop Hours

Monday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Tuesday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Wednesday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Thursday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Friday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Saturday: Closed – A note from the owner
Sunday: Closed

Last car oil change time  – 5:00PM

Click for the BBB Business Review of this Auto Repair & Service in Denver CO

Recent Articles

Brake Noises: What They Mean and How to Fix Them

Brake Noises: What They Mean and How to Fix Them

Do you remember the first time you slid behind the wheel of your current vehicle? It had a particular sound; it performed in a certain way.  As the weeks and months roll by, you may start … [Read More...]

  • Do Trucks Last Longer Than Cars? Proper Maintenance Strategies
  • Is Your Transmission on the Verge of Failing?
  • How to Spot the Signs of Brake Wear and Tear Before It’s Too Late
  • The Cost of Brake Repair: Is It Worth It to Fix Your Brakes or Replace Them?
  • What an Oil Change and Oil Filter Replacement Do To Your Car

Search Our Site

Brakes Service

Brake Noises: What They Mean and How to Fix Them

How to Spot the Signs of Brake Wear and Tear Before It’s Too Late

The Cost of Brake Repair: Is It Worth It to Fix Your Brakes or Replace Them?

Oil Change

What an Oil Change and Oil Filter Replacement Do To Your Car

Does Your Hybrid Vehicle Need an Oil Change?

Regular vs Synthetic Motor Oil – What You Should Know

Suspension

This Is How You Know If You Have Suspension Problems

How Worn Out Shocks and Struts Can Cause An Accident

CV Joint and CV Boot Repair – What You Need To Know

Transmision Service

Sticking to a Budget – How To Handle Auto Repairs

How Heat Impacts Your Transmission

Should You Consider a Transmission Rebuild?

Engine Service

Sticking to a Budget – How To Handle Auto Repairs

The Most Common Sensors Used In Your Car’s Engine

How Engine Knocking Impacts Your Vehicle

Auto Tips & Tricks

Do Trucks Last Longer Than Cars? Proper Maintenance Strategies

Is Your Transmission on the Verge of Failing?

How To Care For a Car Over 100,000 Miles

"Denvers Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube" - Copyright © 2023 - 4200 E. Evans Ave. Denver, CO 303-691-2760