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Jul 14, 2023
Gas Pump Leaded vs unleaded

If you’re the proud owner of a Lexus, congratulations are in order. You’ve made an excellent choice for a luxurious, high-performance vehicle. One of the first things you’ll notice when you’re behind the wheel is your Lexus’s superior performance. From the IS to the LX, you have plenty of vigor at your fingertips when you drive a Lexus. Not only do you get outstanding performance, but you also enjoy impressive fuel efficiency on your drives all around El Monte, California. That’s thanks to the advanced engineering and technology infused into every Lexus.

But before you hit the road, there is one crucial question that every Lexus driver should know the answer to: Does your Lexus need premium-grade gasoline? If you want to continue reaping the benefits of driving a Lexus, you should use the recommended fuel type for your vehicle. Some Lexus models require premium gasoline while others don’t, so it’s essential to know the kind of fuel your Lexus needs. Reference your owner’s manual for precise fuel type requirements. Here at Longo Lexus, we’ve broken down the facts to help you better understand which fuel grade is best for your Lexus. 

Premium vs. Regular Gas Explained

So, you might be wondering about the differences between regular and premium gasoline. To help you understand the distinction, we figured we’d help to explain the two varieties. Your automobile requires small, carefully timed combustions to run optimally. Consequently, the octane rating of your fuel plays a significant role in the quality of these combustions.

Regular gasoline, also called “regular unleaded” or simply “unleaded,” is the most common fuel for cars. This type of gasoline has an octane rating of 87 and is the cheapest option at the pump. Regular gasoline works just fine for most vehicles on the road; however, some vehicles require a higher-octane fuel.

Premium gasoline, also called “premium unleaded,” has an octane rating of 91 or higher. When your car needs a higher-octane gasoline, it means that the fuel can better resist the unwanted combustions that happen when the air and fuel mix in your engine. If you have a higher-performance vehicle, like a Lexus NX, premium gasoline is typically recommended since the engine is specifically designed for it.

In short, premium gasoline is the way to go if your car requires higher-octane fuel. However, if your vehicle doesn’t need it, you may not get any extra benefits from using it. So, when choosing which fuel to use for your vehicle, double-check the recommendations of your car’s manufacturer. That way, you can ensure your Lexus gets the best performance possible.

Lexus Models That Require Premium Gas

Not all Lexus vehicles require premium gasoline, but a few do. If you drive any of the following 2023 Lexus models, you should fill up with premium fuel:

Lexus SUVs

Lexus Sedans

  • Lexus GS.
  • Lexus LS Hybrid.
  • Lexus IS.
  • Lexus LS.

Lexus Coupes

If you’ve misplaced the owners manual for your vehicle or just want to double-check with a professional, you can visit your local Longo Lexus dealership. Our knowledgeable and certified technicians will be able to answer any questions you may have about which type of gasoline is best for your Lexus. Also, don’t forget to ask about any other essential services your vehicle may need, such as an oil change or tire rotation.

Advantages of Using Premium Gas

While premium gas may be slightly more expensive at the pump, there are many advantages to using this premium-grade fuel in your Lexus, especially if your car requires it. Here’s a look at some of the main benefits you can enjoy when you use the correct type of fuel in your Lexus:

  • Better performance: Using premium gas in your engine can reduce knocking and pinging caused by the air-fuel mixture detonating prematurely in the engine. Premium gas also helps to keep your engine running smoother, improving overall performance.
  • Increased fuel economy: Premium gas has a higher octane rating, which means it burns cleaner and more efficiently. This leads to improved fuel economy as the engine won’t have to work as hard and won’t waste energy.
  • Improved engine life: Premium gasoline helps keep your engine clean, reducing the amount of dirt and grime buildup. This allows the engine to run better for longer and helps prevent major repairs due to engine wear and tear.
  • Cleaner emissions: As the name suggests, premium fuel has a cleaner burn compared to regular gasoline. As a result, it produces fewer emissions and reduces wear on vital motor components such as spark plugs and piston rings.

What Happens if I Don’t Use Premium Gas in My Lexus?

Using premium gas as specified in your owners manual is essential if you own a Lexus model that requires it. While saving money by using regular gas at the pump may seem like a good idea, you may end up paying for it down the line. There are two big reasons why you shouldn’t use regular gas when premium is recommended.

First, using too low of a grade of gas can lead to engine knocking, which can cause long-term damage to your engine. And second, using regular gas when you should use premium could void your warranty, meaning you would have to pay for any costly repairs out of your own pocket.

Although premium gas is more expensive per gallon than regular gasoline, the small savings you get from choosing regular gas isn’t worth it in the long run. The cost of repairs and damage to your engine could end up being much more expensive than the extra cents per gallon you would save. Therefore, it’s best to use premium gas when required to protect your vehicle.

Find a High-Performing Lexus Today at Longo Lexus

At Longo Lexus, we have an extensive selection of quality Lexus vehicles. Whether you’re looking for a new luxury sedan, coupe, or SUV, our friendly and knowledgeable sales team will help you find the perfect car. We also have a great selection of pre-owned vehicles, so you can rest assured you’re getting the best value for your money. We even offer attractive financing deals and leasing options, so you can drive away in your dream Lexus today. Contact us to schedule a test drive or learn about the gasoline requirements for your Lexus. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Gas Pump, 6/2015, by Mike Mozart of TheToyChannel and JeepersMedia on YouTube #Gas #Pump by Mike Mozart is licensed with CC BY 2.0