Verdicts / Premium gas
Is premium gas worth it if your car takes regular?
No. AAA found no significant difference in horsepower, fuel economy or emissions in cars built for regular, and estimated drivers waste $2.1 billion a year on it (2016).
The details
AAA tested regular-fuel cars on both grades and found no significant difference in horsepower, fuel economy or emissions. Its 2016 estimate: U.S. drivers spent $2.1 billion a year on premium they did not need.
The exception: if your owner's manual says premium is required, use premium. For cars where premium is only "recommended," AAA's 2017 follow-up found about 2.7% better mileage on average in lab tests, which usually did not cover the higher price.
Questions
Does premium gas clean the engine?
AAA found no benefit in cars designed for regular.
What if my car says premium recommended?
AAA (2017) found small average gains that usually did not pay for the higher price. Required means required.
Sources
- AAA Newsroom, U.S. Drivers Waste $2.1 Billion Annually on Premium Gasoline (2016)
- AAA, Premium Fuel Phase II Research Report (2017)
Last checked October 26, 2026. Spot a mistake? Tell us and we'll fix it.