Premium gas can be a waste of money. Here’s when you need it.

Is getting Premium gas worth paying a premium? Here’s why you probably don’t need it.

Charles Singh, Nashville Tennessean

Jan. 27, 2026, 10:04 a.m. ET

• Fuel comes in different grades based on octane level at gas stations.
• Only some performance engines require Premium fuel for the best power output, fuel efficiency, and engine function.

Are you overpaying for premium gas or getting suboptimal performance out of your car because you’re feeding it the wrong fuel?

Gasoline is categorized by octane ratings at gas stations. Most drivers operate vehicles that only require the lowest octane available at stations, known as regular. On the other hand, some performance vehicles require the highest octane gasoline available at stations, premium, to deliver the best driving experience mechanically.

Does your car need Premium gas?

If you drive an average passenger car, chances are you don’t need to purchase high-octane fuel for its engine. If you’re ever in doubt, a quick Google search or peek at your owner’s manual will tell you the exact type of fuel your vehicle requires. Furthermore, refueling an average vehicle with a higher octane gasoline than it requires will not improve its performance because it isn’t designed to benefit from high-octane gas.

Fuel Grade	Regular	Plus	Premium
Octane	87+	89+	91+

High-octane gas is meant for high-performance engines which are most commonly found in sports cars and pickup trucks. Low-octane (or regular) gas is meant for most standard engines. Additionally, vehicles that feature high-performance engines can still run on low-octane gas, but this increases the likelihood of “engine knocking”, an unpleasant noise that occurs when fuel does not burn smoothly. Excessive engine knocking “could lead to expensive engine repairs,” Kelley Blue Book says

If you own a standard vehicle that doesn’t require high-octane fuel, there’s no longevity or performance benefit from purchasing the more expensive gasoline type. In contrast, purchasing the cheaper fuel type for a performance vehicle could lead to poorer power output and a negative driving experience. This can eventually damage your engine.

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