Whenever you visit a gas station to refuel your car, you’ll find you have several options between premium, mid-grade, and unleaded gas. Many drivers find it challenging to know what differentiates these fuel grades, while plenty of debate and confusion abounds about which one is right for the average vehicle. In the article below, take a look at what these terms mean, where they come from, and how they should influence your purchasing decisions.

What Is Unleaded Gas?

Unleaded gas is so-called because, from the 1920s to the 1970s, gasoline was treated with a toxic substance called tetraethyl lead (TEL). While TEL was an effective way to reduce engine knock, or an engine’s tendency to burn fuel unevenly and inefficiently, it also led to significant increases in lead poisoning rates and developmental issues in children.

As a result, federal lawmakers began to require fuel producers to phase out leaded gasoline in 1970. TEL-treated gas was no longer available in the United States by 1975, although it took several decades more for reserves to be destroyed or used up.

Today, the terms “unleaded” and “regular gas” are used interchangeably. Regular gas is that which has an octane rating of 87. A higher octane rating indicates a lower risk of engine knock, although less harmful additives than lead in modern gas make this problem less common today.

What Is Premium Gas?

Due to the long-standing ban on TEL in fuel, premium and regular gas are both unleaded. The primary difference between them lies in their octane ratings. Whereas regular gas has an octane rating of 87, premium gas has a rating of 90 or higher. Both are byproducts of crude oil refinement, but premium gas is typically best for use in performance engines.

Some drivers choose to refuel with premium in the belief that it will offer more efficient performance. However, unless your owner’s manual specifically recommends using premium fuel, it’s best to choose regular gas. Burning premium gas in a conventional car engine won’t offer any noticeable improvement.

Whenever you need to fill your tank, whether with regular or premium gas, stop at Tri-Mart BP in Tripoli, WI. This gas station offers quality unleaded gasoline of all types as well as useful supplies, snacks, hot food, and drinks for travelers. Their friendly staff can also help with directions and advice. Call (715) 564-2440 or visit them online for more information.