For car owners, filling up at the pump is an automatic routine. It is something that simply has to be done, and not a whole lot of thought usually go into this weekly routine. With so many different types of fuel and new fuel technology, it is important to select the right type of gasoline for your specific car. Not only is it essential to use the recommended octane (regular, midgrade or premium gasoline), but it’s also important to make sure your fuel has enough cleaning agents to protect your engine. Here is a quick guide to understand what exactly is going into your vehicle.

Cleaning Agents: The enemy of engine performance and efficiency is engine “gunk,”  (harmful carbon deposits). The gunky build-up is the result of various chemical processes that occur during engine operation, creating a build-up of residue on intake valves and fuel injectors. This acts like a sponge, absorbing and trapping gasoline which can result in decreased engine performance. Toyota is one automaker that recognizes that current Environmental Protection Agency minimum detergent requirements do not go far enough to prevent engine gunk and ensure optimal engine performance. To try to raise the bar on fuel quality, these auto manufacturers designated the voluntary TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Standards to help drivers avoid lower quality gasolines. Choosing healthy gasoline choices can make a difference. Fortunately, preventing engine gunk is easy. Gasoline companies have recently introduced TOP TIER-certified Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines, containing a unique, patented cleaning system designed to seek and destroy engine gunk left by lower quality gasolines. The new Nitrogen Enriched formula helps protect and clean critical engine parts in both conventional and modern engines. So it is important to use high-quality gasoline that meets TOP TIER standards. Industry research confirms that a clean engine can result in better fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and overall optimal engine performance.

Octane: The technical explanation for octane is the measure of the fuel’s ability to resist “engine knock.” If you use a lower octane rating in an engine designed to use higher octane fuel, “engine knocking” might occur, causing the car to shudder and lose performance. Most modern electronic engine management systems can sense this knocking and make adjustments to prevent serious engine damage, but downgrading to a lower octane can mean reduced performance and lower fuel economy. Since not every car is the same, different vehicles require different octane gasoline. The vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation for the appropriate octane level is listed in your owner’s manual. If your vehicle’s engine is designed to run on regular grade unleaded gasoline, that’s all it should require. However, using octane above the recommended level will not harm the engine. If you have a performance or luxury vehicle that requires a higher octane level, it is important to go by the recommendations in order to achieve optimal engine performance.

It is important to understand that using a higher quality gasoline can be a simple step to help maintain your engine and its vital components. Not all gasolines are the same -- the differences in product quality are real. But most importantly, follow your automakers recommended gasoline type – they make these specifications for a reason.