What Happens If You Mix 93 and 87 Gas?

Gas prices have gone significantly up over the last couple of years. At a time like this, consumers have to be practical and even creative to save money.

You may have heard of some drivers mixing 93 and 87-octane gasses. While it does sound practical, what exactly happens when you mix the two? What benefits does one have over the other, and what type of gas should you fill your car with?

What Happens if You Mix 93 and 87 Gas?

Nothing happens when you mix 93 (premium) and 87 (regular) octane gases. The resulting formula is referred to as “midgrade” gas and is often offered in gas stations.

Difference Between 93 and 87 Gas

The main difference between 93 and 87-octane gas is the quality. The former has a higher octane rating, meaning it has a greater capacity to withstand the compression produced in the cylinders.

Benefits of 93 Gas

Premium gas has its advantages over regular octane alternatives. Some benefits include better engine health, reduced engine knock, better fuel economy, and more power:

Better Engine Health

Due to incomplete combustion of fuel, an abundant amount of carbon builds up in the cylinders. This leads to engine inefficiencies, engine damage, or malfunctioning components. Additionally, it also raises the combustion ratio and octane rating of your vehicle.

Switching to 93 gas should combat the carbon buildup due to the greater capacity to withstand compression in the cylinders. The higher octane of 93 gas should also prolong the engine’s lifespan and make drives feel smoother.

Reduced Engine Knock

Some vehicles have pistons that go further into the cylinders. It does so to transform heat energy into mechanical work.

As such, using high-octane fuel is beneficial for these models for better performance and efficiency. It’s because octane tells us how much fuel can be compressed before it ignites. And when it ignites from compression instead of spark plugs, it tends to knock.

Knocking is the sound produced by your engine. It’s detrimental to the engine’s health, as it could cause serious damage, such as overheating spark plug points, erosion of the combustion chamber surface, and inefficient operation.

Slightly Better Fuel Economy

According to tests and studies, premium gas improves your fuel economy by one percent. Not only that, but it also decreases harmful emissions that could damage the environment.

More Power

93 gas helps turbocharged and high-compression engines hit your desired horsepower smoothly. By preventing knocks, premium gas also helps prolong the engine’s lifespan.

The Only Benefit of 87 Gas

While the benefits of 93 gas sound appealing, its 87 counterpart also has its own advantage, namely its price.

The sole benefit of using regular gas is that it is inexpensive compared to premium gas. Data shows that the difference between 93 and 87 gas is around 75 cents a gallon, or about 15%.

Does 93 Gas Clean Your Engine?

93 gas doesn’t clean your engine. What it does is reduce the carbon buildup in the cylinders. Carbon accumulates on the walls, no matter what fuel type you use. It’s just that premium gas has powerful detergents that minimize buildup.

Does 93 Gas Last Longer than 87?

Some tests have shown that 93 gas is one percent more efficient than 87 octane ones. In a sense, premium gas lasts only slightly longer but at a higher price. If you’re looking for cost-efficiency, then sticking to regular gas may be the option for you.

Should I Use 93 or 87 Gas?

Note that your owner’s manual indicates what type of gas works best with your vehicle. Some manufacturers state that their engines require only regular gas, while some models recommend only using premium gas for better performance.

If your vehicle is designed to use any of the two, the decision between premium and regular gas comes down to preference. If you want to spend more for better performance and reduced risks of engine failure, then 93 is for you. If you want to save money on gas, then 87 works fine.

You can also perform a test drive using both gases to see which one feels best to drive with. If you don’t find any significant difference in performance and fuel economy, then regular gas may be the way to go.

What Types of Cars Require 93 Gas?

Cars that have high-compression engines, turbochargers, and other high-performance components, such as sports and performance cars, may require premium gas. This is done to ensure it’s capable of performing at the highest level and so the drivers can maximize the vehicle’s potential.

Some manufacturers that produce cars that require premium gas include BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Maserati, among others.

The Bottomline

Mixing 93 and 87 gas doesn’t have any ill effects. It simply creates a new formula referred to as “midgrade” that’s often available in gas stations.

Additionally, the difference between premium and regular gas is that the premium ones are of higher quality. This means it protects your engine better by prolonging its health and reducing the chances of damage, such as engine knocking.

The decision to go for 93 and 87-octane gas is entirely up to you. Both have their advantages over the other. But if you’re unsure, it’s best to refer to the owner’s manual to see the manufacturer’s recommended gas type.