Regular Vs. Premium: Who's using what?
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 55
From: Strong Island
Here in Georgia, stations are tested regularly, including fuel taken from each pump and tested for octane. Violations are fairly stiffly fined. I think the proof of the pudding is that my Maximas have always run extremely well on midgrade, but the few times I tried regular, there was definite pinging with accelleration. I do stick with major brands.
This subject is meaningful for me in that I live in an area where midgrade almost always costs twenty cents more than regular and premium costs forty cents more than regular. An eighteen gallon fillup of midgrade saves me $3.60 over premium. $3.60 is not much money, and I can easily afford the premium. But since my car runs exactly the same with midgrade, I simply go with midgrade, and add the savings to my investment funds.
I agree with you that Nissan would be wise to build cars that would run on regular with no major performance drawbacks. They need to realize that the days of 18 cent gas are gone. I paid 18 cents per gallon for premium gas at the local government exchange for my '66 Oldsmobile Delta 88 in 1966. I won't tell what I paid for gas for my '49 Studebaker over sixty years ago, as that would make some folks here long for the 'good old days.'
Good move on the Armada. The days of the Armada are over. And that is both the Spanish Armada fleet and the Nissan Armada boat.
This subject is meaningful for me in that I live in an area where midgrade almost always costs twenty cents more than regular and premium costs forty cents more than regular. An eighteen gallon fillup of midgrade saves me $3.60 over premium. $3.60 is not much money, and I can easily afford the premium. But since my car runs exactly the same with midgrade, I simply go with midgrade, and add the savings to my investment funds.
I agree with you that Nissan would be wise to build cars that would run on regular with no major performance drawbacks. They need to realize that the days of 18 cent gas are gone. I paid 18 cents per gallon for premium gas at the local government exchange for my '66 Oldsmobile Delta 88 in 1966. I won't tell what I paid for gas for my '49 Studebaker over sixty years ago, as that would make some folks here long for the 'good old days.'
Good move on the Armada. The days of the Armada are over. And that is both the Spanish Armada fleet and the Nissan Armada boat.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 324
From: VA
I am going to have to try out mid-grade as well. I have only exclusively used 93 since I got the Max, but on my next fill up I will try this out. Would you recommend sticking with mi-grade or high and not go back and forth?
I remember being able to put $10 in my Ford Probe & Honda Accord and last me all week going to school, my girls place and work...I miss those days.
I remember being able to put $10 in my Ford Probe & Honda Accord and last me all week going to school, my girls place and work...I miss those days.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,143
From: a meadow south of Atlanta
[QUOTE=WrightOne86;8366306]
I am going to have to try out mid-grade as well. I have only exclusively used 93 since I got the Max, but on my next fill up I will try this out. Would you recommend sticking with mi-grade or high and not go back and forth?
QUOTE]
By all means, I would stick with one grade. When we rotate octanes, our fuel system has to adjust to a different octane every time we fill up. I don't know about the 7th gen specifically, but the manual for my '04 SL said the fuel system operated most efficiently when it isn't adjusting to different octanes. Not being a chemical engineer, I just accepted the Nissan engineers' word for that.
I think you will find you would need electronic timing devices to detect any peformance differences between midgrade and premium in the 7th gen Maxima.
I am going to have to try out mid-grade as well. I have only exclusively used 93 since I got the Max, but on my next fill up I will try this out. Would you recommend sticking with mi-grade or high and not go back and forth?
QUOTE]
By all means, I would stick with one grade. When we rotate octanes, our fuel system has to adjust to a different octane every time we fill up. I don't know about the 7th gen specifically, but the manual for my '04 SL said the fuel system operated most efficiently when it isn't adjusting to different octanes. Not being a chemical engineer, I just accepted the Nissan engineers' word for that.
I think you will find you would need electronic timing devices to detect any peformance differences between midgrade and premium in the 7th gen Maxima.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 324
From: VA
Right, I would not want to keep switching octanes as I knew that would be a good thing for the car. So you think most people would be fine with the mid-grade? Also, mid-grade for you guys 89 right? I know some stations vary. Most of the ones I go to are 87/89/93, and every once in a while they will have a 4th pump with 91 there as well.
Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 169
From: NYC & Orlando, FL
I've always used Premium fuel, but the prices are just so friggen high in NY I decided to try mid-grade (.30c/gal) cheaper than premium!
So far I cannot even notice the difference. Which is great because I'm very particular and would notice something even slightly out of the norm. I may even try regular on my fill up. If I can't tell the difference with that I'll just stick to it.
My car's a lease btw, I'm not sure if I'd toy around with this if it wasn't.
So far I cannot even notice the difference. Which is great because I'm very particular and would notice something even slightly out of the norm. I may even try regular on my fill up. If I can't tell the difference with that I'll just stick to it.
My car's a lease btw, I'm not sure if I'd toy around with this if it wasn't.
I use Mid Grade. Much as we want to believe it we are not driving a Porsche and the compression ratio of a maxima isn't 11:1 to cause much worry about detonation. Those that say the feel a power increase I call complete BULL****!.
If you are telling me you can feel a 1hp difference give me a break. Adding a higher octane and not remapping your ECU to deliver more fuel (Open injectors longer) and advance the timing (Open intake valves longer) you will NOT get more horse power OR better gas milage. I mean this is fundamental when it comes to car performance imo. I will agree if you drop the octane way low you will get a light engine knock and rattle, which in the long run can and will damage your motor.
This is an old ran into the ground topic in the car world and i've been doing this long enough to know pretty much 99% of everyone do what the industry tell them to do and think that the higher to octane the better your car will run.
This is a bottle water vs tap water conversation.
If you are telling me you can feel a 1hp difference give me a break. Adding a higher octane and not remapping your ECU to deliver more fuel (Open injectors longer) and advance the timing (Open intake valves longer) you will NOT get more horse power OR better gas milage. I mean this is fundamental when it comes to car performance imo. I will agree if you drop the octane way low you will get a light engine knock and rattle, which in the long run can and will damage your motor.
This is an old ran into the ground topic in the car world and i've been doing this long enough to know pretty much 99% of everyone do what the industry tell them to do and think that the higher to octane the better your car will run.
This is a bottle water vs tap water conversation.
When making my decision on regular vs premium I rather listen to these guys.
http://www.edmunds.com/fuel-economy/...g-premium.html
http://www.cartalk.com/content/premium-vs-regular
http://www.edmunds.com/fuel-economy/...g-premium.html
http://www.cartalk.com/content/premium-vs-regular
Don't complain to people about cheaping out on the level of octane they put in their tanks as the same people buy subpar parts and other things which is a much greater safety hazard.
Should we buy from Autozone / Advance --whatever--or ONLY from the dealership????? We can argue all day that it is a waste of money buying from a discount parts store after spending $35k+ on this car because the parts from the dealership "should" be built with better quality and last longer right????
Nopike: I don't know if it because of todays engine technology or what, but they listed the new GT-R as Premium recommended not required. But the 370z 3.7 is required. I don't know if it a compression ratio thing or what I've never researched those cars or care too. I assure you those owners are not purring Mid-grade in their cars.
Should we buy from Autozone / Advance --whatever--or ONLY from the dealership????? We can argue all day that it is a waste of money buying from a discount parts store after spending $35k+ on this car because the parts from the dealership "should" be built with better quality and last longer right????
Nopike: I don't know if it because of todays engine technology or what, but they listed the new GT-R as Premium recommended not required. But the 370z 3.7 is required. I don't know if it a compression ratio thing or what I've never researched those cars or care too. I assure you those owners are not purring Mid-grade in their cars.
Newbie - Just Registered
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 10
Regular fuel continuous use long term effects 2009+
Anyone noticed any whatsoever (except for performance decrease) consequences for 2009 - 2015 generation?
Nissan owners manual clearly states premium fuel is only recommended and regular one may be used with ONLY performance decrease.
I understand moralistic points of not being cheap with such a wonderful car - but premium now is 15 to 20% over regular with today's fuel prices.
Since mileage is not effected - only how quick you cover it - any other long term issues noticed stemming from regular use of a low octane fuel? Anything?
Thanks!
Nissan owners manual clearly states premium fuel is only recommended and regular one may be used with ONLY performance decrease.
I understand moralistic points of not being cheap with such a wonderful car - but premium now is 15 to 20% over regular with today's fuel prices.
Since mileage is not effected - only how quick you cover it - any other long term issues noticed stemming from regular use of a low octane fuel? Anything?
Thanks!
My job moved me to California for a year and a half and my first fill up of premium gas there from a quarter tank cost me over $60 dollars at $4.29 a gallon. Based on those prices I started using the 87-89 octane gas which ranged in price from $2.90 to $3.75 a gallon.
After awhile I noticed that my car didn't have the fast takeoff from a dead stop that I was used to and it felt sluggish going up hills and when I wanted to pass on the freeway. Fed up, I started using 91 octane Chevron with Techron , (fuel system cleaning agents). After 2 tanks my car was back to normal.
I'm now back in the KS/MO area and prices are well below what I was paying in California. So from my personal experience, the cheap gas definitely makes a noticeable difference in how our cars perform.
So, based on that, all my cars get premium gas no matter what it costs.
After awhile I noticed that my car didn't have the fast takeoff from a dead stop that I was used to and it felt sluggish going up hills and when I wanted to pass on the freeway. Fed up, I started using 91 octane Chevron with Techron , (fuel system cleaning agents). After 2 tanks my car was back to normal.
I'm now back in the KS/MO area and prices are well below what I was paying in California. So from my personal experience, the cheap gas definitely makes a noticeable difference in how our cars perform.
So, based on that, all my cars get premium gas no matter what it costs.
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,909
From: Reno, NV
You can use anything from 87-93+. With the Maxima, if you use 87 octane, timing will be pulled and power will be decreased. The Maxima gets decent fuel economy so I always use 91+ octane for the best results. Now, my gas guzzling Escalade recommends premium as well but with 15 mpg I save the 50+ cent difference from regular to premium which translates into a savings of $13 per fill up!!!
I switched to regular a few months ago. I noticed no decrease in mpgs. With Premium 93 Shell you do notice a boost from a stop but I don't hop around traffic so that doesnt matter. I did notice it get bog downed when I used gas from a station in a small town as I had no choice.
The main reason I switched was because of this article:
http://www.edmunds.com/fuel-economy/...g-premium.html
http://static.ed.edmunds-media.com/u...ded.071515.pdf
I remember reading that rich people use regular... that kinda influenced me too. These engines are bullet proof! Just use one of the busy/major brands.
The main reason I switched was because of this article:
http://www.edmunds.com/fuel-economy/...g-premium.html
http://static.ed.edmunds-media.com/u...ded.071515.pdf
I remember reading that rich people use regular... that kinda influenced me too. These engines are bullet proof! Just use one of the busy/major brands.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,847
From: Central Florida
Anyone noticed any whatsoever (except for performance decrease) consequences for 2009 - 2015 generation? Nissan owners manual clearly states premium fuel is only recommended and regular one may be used with ONLY performance decrease. I understand moralistic points of not being cheap with such a wonderful car - but premium now is 15 to 20% over regular with today's fuel prices. Since mileage is not effected - only how quick you cover it - any other long term issues noticed stemming from regular use of a low octane fuel? Anything? Thanks!
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 966
From: Houston, TX
I have used Premium since Day 1 and I did the same in my 6th gen so I really don't know the difference. All I can say is that it drives well and I get about 24 - 24.8 MPG in my 7th gen. I do also have an Altima 3.5SR Coupe that I only put regular unleaded in and it sometimes lags. I don't know if it's the CVT or the gas however.
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,909
From: Reno, NV
Just for $h!ts and giggles I filled up with 85 octane. A half tank later my car felt like it had the 2.5 Altima 4 cyl in it. I filled the half tank back up with 91 and can already tell the difference. I knew that was the case but wanted a reminder.
Newbie - Just Registered
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2
I bought a new maxima sv sport form an Ontario dealer. He told me no dealers will fill the cars on the lot with premium gas.
(Recommended or required)
I have 105,xxx kms running 87-89 and never had any issues.
I tried premium for a few months, about 10 tanks and didn't notice any difference in performance or mileage.
(Recommended or required)
I have 105,xxx kms running 87-89 and never had any issues.
I tried premium for a few months, about 10 tanks and didn't notice any difference in performance or mileage.
Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 264
From: A T L
Why wouldn't you want to put premium in? Not only is it labeled on the inside of the gas tank door but your difference between REG and PREM is roughly a $5 savings in the end, +/-. Just skip the double cheeseburger meal at McDonalds one time and you're justified while having the peace of mind that you're car is drinking FIJI water instead of toilet water.
Edit: I live in GA and the Shell gas station across the street from work is 1.79 REG (don't remember what PREM is currently there)
Edit: I live in GA and the Shell gas station across the street from work is 1.79 REG (don't remember what PREM is currently there)
Last edited by michaelle8885; Jan 15, 2016 at 08:25 AM.
Newbie - Just Registered
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 10
Why wouldn't you want to put premium in? Not only is it labeled on the inside of the gas tank door but your difference between REG and PREM is roughly a $5 savings in the end, +/-. Just skip the double cheeseburger meal at McDonalds one time and you're justified while having the peace of mind that you're car is drinking FIJI water instead of toilet water.
Edit: I live in GA and the Shell gas station across the street from work is 1.79 REG (don't remember what PREM is currently there)
Edit: I live in GA and the Shell gas station across the street from work is 1.79 REG (don't remember what PREM is currently there)
My peace of mind comes from knowledge of mechanics, since a car is just a machine. It will last the same on regular if designed so. It also comes from the knowledge of mathematics. Regular vs premium at 15000 miles annual where I live saves me $250 annually - $1250 in 5 years. That is the power of the first grade mathematics! Armed with this knowledge I will spend the difference on a good food (not cheeseburgers) and my body will last longer and look better doing so to boot. As opposed to feeding the label inside the gas tank door which will make only Ghosn look and feel good on kickbacks from oil companies for placing the label there and using this popular in America "not necessary but good to do" money milking from ignorant people formula... Does it all make sense?
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,690
My peace of mind comes from knowledge of mechanics, since a car is just a machine. It will last the same on regular if designed so. It also comes from the knowledge of mathematics. Regular vs premium at 15000 miles annual where I live saves me $250 annually - $1250 in 5 years. That is the power of the first grade mathematics! Armed with this knowledge I will spend the difference on a good food (not cheeseburgers) and my body will last longer and look better doing so to boot. As opposed to feeding the label inside the gas tank door which will make only Ghosn look and feel good on kickbacks from oil companies for placing the label there and using this popular in America "not necessary but good to do" money milking from ignorant people formula... Does it all make sense?
Newbie - Just Registered
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 10
Yes. This is just one example. If one does not buy A LOT of things he/she
DOES NOT NEED (but may want, "cool", "good to have", "everybody else buys", fun, meaningless etc.) the math goes:
68 cents (or so) a day times A LOT = quite a bit of money.
I am not moralizing here. What one does with his/this money is up to the person. I just answered the question "why I would do it".
Mathematics is a weakness in America. People do not like it - that is why
everybody is in debt. To each his own. In my original post I specifically asked - "any long term effects known EXCEPT performance reduction". Everybody answered "reduced performance".
What If I DO NOT CARE about performance reduction - any OTHER known problems?
Thanks a lot!
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,909
From: Reno, NV
I prefer the way the Maxima responds better with 91. You can tell timing advances and gives you better "tip in" with 91 over 87. For me it is driving experience and with the Maxima I do noticed the timing retard with 87.
Switching to 87 will not decrease engine life. The links I provided with the research is all the proof I need. If I feel like it I can full up the tank with 93 and get the full potential but I just don't sprint around in traffic.
Newbie - Just Registered
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3
Octane rating please help
Hi I'm new on here just bought a 2007 maxima and the last owner cheaped out and pumped regular gas for the last 2 months. So I went to autozone and I was told to buy some Lucas injector cleaner so I did. And now I wanna know how to switch to premium. I have about and quarter tank left of regular gas and it's giving me 13mpg
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 27
There's no way to switch, on your next fillup just start using premium. I remember when I bought my car I know the dealer put regular, and when the tank was half empty, I switched to 93 octane and haven't used anything less than premium. (Although gas prices are on the rise here in Connecticut) not thrilled about that.
Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 178
From: Central, Florida
If you want a real kick in the pants try this http://bndautomotive.com/
I use it in my big block nova, the owner is so nice and the oil is great as well. pricey but great
I use it in my big block nova, the owner is so nice and the oil is great as well. pricey but great
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