When it Pays to buy Premium

Posted Sunday, May 18, 2008, at 5:09 PM

CNN has a story on its website today concerning 6 myths on saving money at the gas pump. As per CNN they are:

#1. Fill your tank in the morning

#2. Change your air filter

#3. Use premium fuel

#4. Pump up your tires

#5. To A/C or not A/C

#6. Bolt-ons and pour-ins

You can read their arguements for yourself at their website, but one of these, #3, you should check out using your own vehicle. I did, and premium fuel gave me 3.5 mpg better mileage, and that was for similar driving during 3 different trials. With the recent rise in fuel prices (but not a similar disparity occuring between low, medium, and high octane) it may actually save you money to pay the less than 10% difference, and go for the premium. So the next time you need a fill-up, keep your receipt, record you mileage, drive similar routes and speeds, and let me know what results you get. BTW, the car I tested was a Mercury 2000 Crown Victoria.

Comments
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Yeah, there has been a lot of gas saving myths going around on myspace lately as well. and whenever i see them i simply refer people to snopes.com to find out what is bogus and what may work.

-- Posted by jonboon on Sun, May 18, 2008, at 10:23 PM

I drive a Toyota Tacoma pick up truck and ever since prices at the pump starting flirting with three dollars I have kept a record of my gasoline purchases and have computed mpg and also cost in cents per mile to drive (now about 15 cents). Next week when I fill up I am going to try the most expensive premium and calulate the cost per mile....... Anything logical is worth a try.................

-- Posted by Johnny Yuma on Mon, May 19, 2008, at 9:11 PM

A Mercury 2000 Crown Victoria? No such thing, had to be a Ford Crown Vic or a Mercury Gran Marquis, almost the same car. I agree with your test results I have found that the premium does get me better mileage.

-- Posted by neildoolin on Sun, Jun 1, 2008, at 4:22 AM

We should be running our vehicles on good ole All-American natural gas. We're sitting on top of it right here in Dyer County. It's old and proven technology. What are we waiting for - the government? We'd better do something ourself, NOW!

-- Posted by charleyraww on Wed, Jun 4, 2008, at 7:39 AM

Honey Bees and Cell Phones

Kenneth Jones

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