One of the universal truths about driving is that people want cheap gas prices when going to the pumps at a station. Still, it can be tempting for some to experiment with premium gas instead of regular to achieve better mileage. Most auto mechanics warn against this, and one recently took to social media to share why cars that don’t require premium fuel shouldn’t use it. 

Searching for cheap prices at gas station pumps is more than okay for your car

Recently, the auto mechanics from South Hills Toyota took to their TikTok page to discuss the biggest myth about cars. When asked about this, one of them says the biggest myth is that premium gas offers better ride quality and fuel economy. He goes on to debunk this and says that premium gas is for higher compression engines that “run hotter.” As mentioned, many drivers overlook cheap gas prices because they believe this myth.

The mechanic then said that, unless stated, most cars run perfectly fine with 87-octane gas. He then revealed that premium gas also doesn’t make your engine “run cleaner” if it doesn’t require higher grades of fuel. Essentially, forking over the cash for premium gas when your car doesn’t need it can be seen as a waste. Instead, go for those cheap gas prices instead of letting your money go up in smoke. 

Still, drivers should consult their owner’s manuals if they are unsure of what type of gas their vehicles require. Typically, high-performance and luxury cars need higher-octane fuel, as do many vehicles with turbochargers.