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Premium fuel may be a waste of money, says new research

Drivers who shell out the extra cash to fill their tanks with premium fuel may be wasting their money, according to new research by AAA.

The company’s testing found that paying for premium is not worth the extra money unless your vehicle actually requires it.

While some vehicles are designed to run on premium octane gas, others just recommend it.

“I have a Mustang Cobra that I have to use premium in because I really tell difference in power and stuff. But in this truck here, I know there’s no difference,” Jacksonville driver George Kaser said.

AAA did a combination of lab and road tests on test vehicles including a Ford Mustang GT, Jeep
Renegade, Audi A3 and more.

“The math just doesn’t add up,” AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said.

AAA found that for cars that recommend but don’t require premium, the 2.7 percent average improvement in fuel economy and 1.4 percent average increase in horsepower don’t balance out the price of premium fuel, which costs 20-25 percent more than regular fuel.

On Tuesday in Florida, the state average price for a gallon of regular gas is $2.40. For premium, it’s $3.

“It’s still important to remember that if your vehicle requires the use of premium gasoline, that you should still use it,” said Jenkins.

If you’re not sure whether your car requires or just recommends premium fuel, you can find that information in your manual.

If your engine makes a pinging or knocking sound on regular fuel, AAA said higher octane gas might resolve your problem, but it’s a good idea to get it checked out by a professional first.