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Your gasoline bill may
be too high if you are using fuel with a
higher octane rating than you need.
The best way to make sure you are probably
using the right octane
rating for your car is simply to check your owner's manual. But
still,
this rating may be higher and more expensive than your car really
needs. The following simple method will help you select the right
type
of gas for your car.
First, make sure your car is in good running
order. Have it tuned up
by a competent mechanic.
Now fill your tank up with the gas you
usually buy, the grade
specified in the owner's manual. Warm the engine up by driving a
few
miles and come to a complete stop. Now accelerate hard.
If you hear the engine knocking or pinging,
this gasoline is not
the right kind for your car. Use up the tank and the next time you
fill up, buy the next higher grade. Repeat the acceleration test.
If the engine doesn't ping this time, this is the octane you need.
If it still pings, you should see your mechanic.
If on your first acceleration test, your
engine did not knock or
ping, you can fill your car up the next time with the next lower
grade of octane. Repeat the acceleration test. If the engine begins
knocking or pinging, this gas is inadequate for your car's needs;
go
back to the octane specified in the owner's manual. But if the engine
doesn't knock, you're safe to use the lower grade octane.
Now you're sure you are using the right
grade of octane for your car.
You can expect top-notch performance from your car and more years
of
service.It is good to remember that sometimes as a car ages, octane
requirements may change. Check that you are using the right octane
every once in a while. Carrying heavy loads and driving in extremely
cold conditions may also affect your required octane rating.
