Should we use premium gas in our cars?
This is the question that I recently asked myself after frequenting these forums. For the NA crowd, at least, it seems there is a general consensus that premium gas is just a waste of money.
I beg to differ.
My subjective view is based on my recent experience with a tank of gas at the local gas station. Since I have owned my '05 Outback, it has been treated to 93 (or at the very least, 91) octane.
However, after reading the opinions of others I decided that my next fill-up will be 87. The difference was almost immediately noticed. The next morning, I went to crank the engine and a "knock" was immediately noticeable. It lasted for about 1 minute until the engine warmed up. This happened on every cold start with the 87 octane gas.
Once it was time to fill up again, I went back to the 93 octane and the knock went away completely.
Coincidence? Bad gas? I don't think so. The gas station is a large brand, Mobil. Say what you want about Mobil politically, but I'm pretty confident with the quality of their gas.
Anyhow, I am just throwing this out there because it may help some others narrow down their knock problems. I know there are a few of you out there...
Mike
This is the question that I recently asked myself after frequenting these forums. For the NA crowd, at least, it seems there is a general consensus that premium gas is just a waste of money.
I beg to differ.
My subjective view is based on my recent experience with a tank of gas at the local gas station. Since I have owned my '05 Outback, it has been treated to 93 (or at the very least, 91) octane.
However, after reading the opinions of others I decided that my next fill-up will be 87. The difference was almost immediately noticed. The next morning, I went to crank the engine and a "knock" was immediately noticeable. It lasted for about 1 minute until the engine warmed up. This happened on every cold start with the 87 octane gas.
Once it was time to fill up again, I went back to the 93 octane and the knock went away completely.
Coincidence? Bad gas? I don't think so. The gas station is a large brand, Mobil. Say what you want about Mobil politically, but I'm pretty confident with the quality of their gas.
Anyhow, I am just throwing this out there because it may help some others narrow down their knock problems. I know there are a few of you out there...
Mike