How Much Ethanol is in 87-93 Octane Gas (Regular to Premium)?

When you pull up to the gas pump, you're faced with a choice: regular, mid-grade, or premium? But what's the difference between these grades of gasoline, and how much ethanol do they contain? In this post, we'll break it down for you.

What is Octane Rating?

The octane rating of gasoline is a measure of its ability to resist knocking or pinging during combustion. The higher the octane rating, a more resistant the fuel is to knocking. Most regular gasoline has an octane rating of 87, while premium gasoline is typically 91 or 93.

What is Ethanol?

Ethanol is a type of alcohol that is added to gasoline to increase its octane rating and reduce emissions. Most gasoline sold in the United States contains up to 10% ethanol (E10). Some stations also offer E85, which is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.

How Much Ethanol is in 87-93 Octane Gas?

The amount of ethanol in gasoline is not directly related to its octane rating. Most gasoline, regardless of its octane rating, contains up to 10% ethanol. So, whether you're buying regular (87 octane) or premium (91 or 93 octane) gasoline, it likely contains about the same amount of ethanol.

Does Your Vehicle Need Premium Gasoline?

Most vehicles are designed to run on regular (87 octane) gasoline. However, some high-performance vehicles require premium gasoline to prevent knocking. To find out what type of gasoline is recommended for your vehicle, consult your owner's manual.

Using a lower octane gasoline than what is recommended for your vehicle can cause knocking, which can damage your engine over time. However, using a higher octane gasoline than what is recommended will not provide any benefit and will only cost you more money.

If you have any questions about what type of gasoline is right for your vehicle, our certified technicians at MOMS Mobile Oil Change® can help. We can also perform a full-service oil change to keep your engine running smoothly. Schedule your mobile oil change today!