High Octane Fuels

As noted in a recent article in Grassroots Motorsports Magazine, most vehicles can benefit from the use of high octane fuels. They simply contain cleaner components and last longer without degrading than lower octane fuels. In fact, many small engine mechanics that maintain 2 cycle motors advise all of their customers not to use low octane fuels because they have a tendency to gum up the sensitive small carburetors.

However, according to the Federal Trade Commission, the use of high octane fuels should be limited to those vehicles specifically required to run them. Low octane fuel is certainly safe to use in vehicles where 87 octane is required. However, if the vehicle is not run frequently and has a tendency to remain parked, keep in mind that the fuel may begin to degrade in a period of time as short as three months. Higher octane fuels can last up to nine months without degrading, although there may be some octane loss.

Another point to keep in mind is that the oil companies tend to use their high octane fuels to showcase their best technologies. The higher octane fuels command a premium price and to help enhance the attraction to the consumer, a higher level of detergents are utilized. This helps lower the amount of deposits that tend to form in the injectors and throughout the fuel system.

So what is the best type of fuel to run in your vehicle? The answer will depend on the vehicle manufacturer's specifications and your driving habits. If your vehicle requires the use of an 87 octane fuel, you drive it regularly, and do not put it into situations where there will be excessive load (e.g. towing or high performance driving), a low octane fuel should meet your needs. However, if the vehicle manufacturer requires a high octane fuel (a must for high compression engines), is not driven often, is run under excessive load (e.g. towing or high performance driving), or has issues with keeping the carburetor or injectors clean, you would benefit from the use of a high octane fuel.