Do INFINITI Cars Need Premium Gas?

When you buy a new car, it’s important to familiarize yourself with its specific maintenance needs. Some vehicles require certain parts or services to continue functioning at their optimum level, depending on their make, model, or trim. One factor that can significantly impact a vehicle’s performance is fuel type. For instance, a base model sedan from an affordable manufacturer may run perfectly fine with regular gasoline. However, a turbocharged sports car may require premium fuel for its engine to operate at full capacity.

Understanding the different gasoline on the market can save you valuable time and money in maintenance. In this article, we’ll explain the various fuel types, why INFINITI models run best on premium gasoline, and the benefits of higher octane fuel on your vehicle’s long-term performance.

Types of Gasoline

“Mazda” by Robert Geiger is licensed with CC BY 2.0

If you’ve ever pumped gas, you’ve probably noticed there are usually two to three choices with distinct price points, denoted by numbers like 85, 87, 89, 91, or 93 with descriptors like “regular,” “premium,” or even “super premium.” The numbers represent the gasoline’s octane rating, which is a key indicator of its quality and cost. Octane is a metric for how well gasoline handles high compression before detonation. If fuel frequently detonates at the incorrect time, it can result in long-term damage to the vehicle’s engine. Therefore, the higher octane, the less chance of fuel detonating before it’s supposed to.

In most states, regular gasoline has an octane rating of 87, although 85 and 89 are also common. Typically, most gas stations consider gasoline with a 91 octane rating worthy of the “premium” title, while some also include 93 octane fuel as “ultra” or “super premium” in quality. If a car manufacturer recommends premium gas, your best bet is to use a fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher. Depending on factors like budget, availability, and the current condition of your vehicle’s engine, going for one of the “ultra” or “super premium” fuel types may be beneficial.

Why Is It Important To Use the Right Gas for a Vehicle?

Using the right type of gasoline for a vehicle can have a significant impact on its performance, efficiency, and lifespan. You may notice that vehicles with stronger, high-performance engines often require higher octane fuel. These engines have high compression ratios, so you risk harming them with early detonation if you opt for regular gasoline. Premium gasoline tends to run about 50 cents more per gallon than regular fuel, but it beats paying for a new engine or constantly taking your car in for maintenance for engine issues.

It’s best to think about premium gas as a necessary expenditure on a long-term investment. While you’re spending more in the short term, you’re actually saving money that you’d likely use for engine repairs should you use regular gasoline instead. Cars that require or encourage the use of premium gasoline also have significantly higher fuel economy when equipped with the right fuel type. You may even notice a difference in the smoothness of your ride when comparing different octane levels.

Do INFINITI Cars Need Premium Gas?

INFINITI recommends all customers use premium unleaded gas with a 91 octane rating to power their vehicles’ engines. High octane gasoline lets it operate at its highest potential in terms of horsepower and overall performance on the road. With 91 octane fuel, your INFINITI can have an impressive fuel economy and significantly higher miles per gallon than if you opt for regular gasoline.

When you pump premium gasoline into your INFINITI, you’re investing in the long-term performance and value of your vehicle. You can also contact your local dealer if you’re ever unsure of which type of gasoline to use for your INFINITI.

Benefits of Using Premium Gasoline

There are many benefits of using premium gasoline to power your INFINITI vehicle’s engine. Here are some of the most common advantages of investing in higher octane fuel at the gas pump:

Engine Longevity

One of the main reasons that car owners invest in higher octane fuel is to increase the lifespan of their vehicle’s engine. Repeated use of low-quality fuel can cause early detonation, known in the auto-repair world as a “knock” due to the familiar knocking noise you often hear when this erroneous ignition occurs. The explosions caused by knocking can cause significant damage to the engine, which can be costly to fix.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is another major benefit of using high octane gasoline to power your INFINITI. Car manufacturers often have a specific fuel type in mind when they design vehicles and their various features. If you’re in the market for a car with impressive fuel economy, you may find that you only achieve this level of performance with a vehicle that uses high octane fuel. If you use regular gas instead, your car will burn through the fuel much faster, resulting in lower miles per gallon.

Engine Performance

Luxury vehicles like an INFINITI often have strong engines that can generate impressive horsepower. These powerful engines require high-quality gasoline to operate at their highest potential. As a driver or passenger, you may find it obvious when a vehicle is ill-equipped with the wrong fuel type, as this can cause engine knocking and lead to an overall sluggish performance.

So, there you have it. Those are the reasons we encourage INFINITI customers to use premium gasoline to fill their tanks. Not only does higher octane fuel extend the lifespan of the vehicle, but it also makes for a smoother and more enjoyable driving experience. We hope this article is helpful the next time you’re considering whether it’s worth spending a few extra cents at the pump.

At Herrin-Gear INFINITI, we’re dedicated to helping our customers in the Jackson, Mississippi community drive off in their dream vehicles armed with the proper maintenance knowledge for their investment. Have a question about your INFINITI’s maintenance needs? Interested in learning about our latest financing and leasing specials? Whatever your inquiry, one of our team members is ready to assist you.