The debate over regular gas versus high-octane fuel has raged for years. But the truth is simple: Very few cars derive any benefit from premium grades of gasoline.
"For most cars, the recommended gasoline is regular octane," says Jody DeVere, chief executive at AskPatty.com, an automotive advice and education site for women. Premium gas won't help your car perform better or increase your gas mileage, and it can cost you as much as 20 cents per gallon more than regular, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
A small number of cars do require high-octane gasoline, so check your owner's manual -- and even then, read carefully. "Find out if the higher-priced gas is required or just recommended," DeVere says. If it says "recommended," you're probably fine using regular gas. If it says "required," you should go for the higher grades.