Premium Fuel = $$$ Savings???

[05Moose]

There's no specific threads on this, but haven't a lot of you than run premium fuel said you get 1 to 2 mpg gains?

If that's the case, read on because we may all want to switch to premium fuel to save money.

Do the math:
With regular octane over $4/gallon and premium still only running 20 cents more, it's now cheaper to run that premium fuel to get the extra mpg.

Let's do an example or two. If you typically get 17 mpg (which most are if you're running any over-size or off-road tires), then you'll travel 255 miles on 15 gallons. At $4/gallon (that's very conservative around here!), then it cost you $60 to travel that 255 miles.

Now let's say you switch to premium fuel and get a 1 mpg increase. To travel that same 255 miles, you only use 14.1667 gallons. At a "conservative" price of $4.20/gallon (20 cents more than regular), you spent $59.50...a savings of 50 cents. That's 50 cents at every fillup if you're using 14 gallons.

If you can realize a 2 mpg gain, it takes only 13.42 gallons to go 255 miles. That equates to a savings of almost $4 for every 255 miles ($3.64 to be exact).

Doesn't sound like much does it? Think about it though. If you fill up 4 times per month and have really gained 2 mpg, then you're saving $16/month. In 10 months that's $160!!!

So, I'll ask again...Do you gain 1 or 2 MPGs by switching to premium?

[Johnson8537]

Originally Posted by 05Moose

There's no specific threads on this, but haven't a lot of you than run premium fuel said you get 1 to 2 mpg gains?

If that's the case, read on because we may all want to switch to premium fuel to save money.

Do the math:
With regular octane over $4/gallon and premium still only running 20 cents more, it's now cheaper to run that premium fuel to get the extra mpg.

Let's do an example or two. If you typically get 17 mpg (which most are if you're running any over-size or off-road tires), then you'll travel 255 miles on 15 gallons. At $4/gallon (that's very conservative around here!), then it cost you $60 to travel that 255 miles.

Now let's say you switch to premium fuel and get a 1 mpg increase. To travel that same 255 miles, you only use 14.1667 gallons. At a "conservative" price of $4.20/gallon (20 cents more than regular), you spent $59.50...a savings of 50 cents. That's 50 cents at every fillup if you're using 14 gallons.

If you can realize a 2 mpg gain, it takes only 13.42 gallons to go 255 miles. That equates to a savings of almost $4 for every 255 miles ($3.64 to be exact).

Doesn't sound like much does it? Think about it though. If you fill up 4 times per month and have really gained 2 mpg, then you're saving $16/month. In 10 months that's $160!!!

So, I'll ask again...Do you gain 1 or 2 MPGs by switching to premium?

I have never seen a noticable gain in fuel milage... I do feel better putting premium in my truck though... ( i think it all depends on driving conditions...) I fill up every 2 weeks because i don't drive very far to and from work... 6 miles round trip.

[eyedoc]

I don't experience any difference when I've run premium. There may be a psychological gain though, due to me 'wanting' their to be a difference since I spent more on the 'better' gasoline.... its a push, imo.

[briangp]

I've noticed the difference, I try to do the math every tank, but the wifey doesn't always reset the trip gauge, or fill it up all the way. I typically get at least a MPG better, sometimes two. I was wondering exactly what you were, and finally someone did the math. Thank you, great find!

[Dark Taco]

The big increase in fuel costs this year came right as the fuel was being switched from the winter to the summer blend. You will see an increase in fuel economy simply because of this. I like your thought process on this and there may be something there. You may or may not have taken this into your calculations already. Just an idea. I may try myself to see if it helps my situaton.

[mr.trd]

I don't drive enough on the road to know if there is a mileage differance on the road but in town I get no difference in mileage.......but with the mid grade on the road, the tranny is constantly searching for the "right" gear because I seem to be blessed with always getting to drive into the wind.... With the premium fuel is still downshifts but not near as much... I run premium alway now...... I would never try to run regular because it is below the octane the manual calls for....or at least here it is....our octane number are 85-89-91. I think the rest of the country is 87-89-91... Ohh well, if I fill up 16 gallons at 10 cents more it is only an extra $1.60. What the hell, oh well. I am not going to let $1.60 keep me at home and doing the things I want....I will make money cuts elsewhere in my life....I like to drive and use my vehicles. That is why I bought what I bought.... A taco and a bimmer.

[05Moose]

Originally Posted by mr.trd

I don't drive enough on the road to know if there is a mileage differance on the road but in town I get no difference in mileage.......but with the mid grade on the road, the tranny is constantly searching for the "right" gear because I seem to be blessed with always getting to drive into the wind.... With the premium fuel is still downshifts but not near as much... I run premium alway now...... I would never try to run regular because it is below the octane the manual calls for....or at least here it is....our octane number are 85-89-91. I think the rest of the country is 87-89-91... Ohh well, if I fill up 16 gallons at 10 cents more it is only an extra $1.60. What the hell, oh well. I am not going to let $1.60 keep me at home and doing the things I want....I will make money cuts elsewhere in my life....I like to drive and use my vehicles. That is why I bought what I bought.... A taco and a bimmer.

85-89-91? What's up with that? Does fuel combust better in Idaho so you don't need a higher octane? Aren't all vehicles requiring a minimum 87 octane? Is that at an off-brand gas station or a branded one?

[bamma]

From Wikipedia:
Octane ratings can vary greatly from region to region. For example, the minimum octane rating available in much of the United States is 87 AKI and the highest is 93. However this does not mean that the gas is different.
In the Rocky Mountain (high altitude) states, 85 octane is the minimum octane and 91 is the maximum octane available in fuel. The reason for this is that in higher-altitude areas, a typical combustion engine draws in less air per cycle due to the reduced density of the atmosphere. This directly translates to reduced absolute compression in the cylinder, therefore deterring knock.

[el_smurfo]

There is only $0.10 difference between premium and regular around here these days. Stations are trying so hard not to cross the mythical $5.00 mark, prices for all the grades are "bunching up", $4.89, $4.95, $4.99. At least the weather's nice...sigh.

[briangp]

Originally Posted by Dark_Taco

The big increase in fuel costs this year came right as the fuel was being switched from the winter to the summer blend. You will see an increase in fuel economy simply because of this. I like your thought process on this and there may be something there. You may or may not have taken this into your calculations already. Just an idea. I may try myself to see if it helps my situaton.

Already factored that in... I get 20-21 mpg on summer gas vs 18-19 on winter gas... but the premium regular thing still holds true with either.

[05Moose]

Originally Posted by briangp

Already factored that in... I get 20-21 mpg on summer gas vs 18-19 on winter gas... but the premium regular thing still holds true with either.

Agreed. In fact, here on the west coast, there is no difference between winter and summer blends. It's the same year-round due to pollution.

I still want to know if others are seeing a mpg increase between premium and regular fuel! I think I'll be doing this experiment myself at my next fill-up.

[el_smurfo]

In Southern California, I get about 18.5 winter, 20.5 summer.

[demoncleaner]

Not sure it'll pay for itself...but

Back in 05' I tried all the grades for months at a time. I'll bet mpg is slightly better (like tenths), but difference was hard to notice due to constant weather and fuel type changes around here. The performance and sound of the engine esp climbing 15% grades I notice a difference. My 05' pings on 87, maybe the newer models handle it better.

I still spend the extra .10 for 89 minumum. Towing I use 93. At $4 vs 4.10 only 2% more to run midgrade. IN Dec 04 my 1st tank was $2 vs 2.10 midgrade was 4% more back then.

Here's a good test post at least while towing: #27 Chazmanian Real World MPG Testing!

Drive the same but w/ premium and post what you see. For your wallet's sake I hope you dont notice, I wish I didn't.

[suv-man]

Have not seen a difference. Last time I checked, hiway driving, milage seemed to decrease with premium... Changing to synthetic LSD in differencial and transfer case seemed to increase gas milage by about 1-2mpg city driving.

[LaPerouseBay]

Originally Posted by el_smurfo

There is only $0.10 difference between premium and regular around here these days. Stations are trying so hard not to cross the mythical $5.00 mark, prices for all the grades are "bunching up", $4.89, $4.95, $4.99. At least the weather's nice...sigh.

one of our outer islands (lanai) is over 5.00 per gallon. we are sure to follow.