With over 27 years in the automotive industry and nearly a decade in automotive talk radio, Tom Torbjornsen makes learning about cars easy with his personal manner, his expert advice, and his high energy and entertaining style. Tom has the unique gift of simplifying the complex and tearing down the technical, meeting you at your level of understanding. You will be encouraged as you gain the confidence to deal with problems related to the second most expensive purchase you will make in a lifetime - your automobile.
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Regular or Mid-Grade Gas?
I have a 2005 Hyundai and the book says to use 87octane middle-grade gas. What would happen if I use regular grade?
-Santa Monica, CA
Answer:
Over time a condition called "pre-ignition" or "engine knock" will occur. With this condition, when the fuel enters the engine it pre-ignites, which causes constant hammering of the tops of the pistons, cylinder head face, and valves. Eventually, major engine damage becomes evident and major repair becomes necessary. Your choice? Cheap gas or engine replacement. Don't be 'penny wise and pound foolish.'Tom,
I have a 2005 Hyundai and the book says to use 87octane middle-grade gas. What would happen if I use regular grade?
-Santa Monica, CA
Answer:
Over time a condition called "pre-ignition" or "engine knock" will occur. With this condition, when the fuel enters the engine it pre-ignites, which causes constant hammering of the tops of the pistons, cylinder head face, and valves. Eventually, major engine damage becomes evident and major repair becomes necessary. Your choice? Cheap gas or engine replacement. Don't be 'penny wise and pound foolish.'
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1. QUESTION? I'VE A 2008 TOYOTA FJ-THEY SAY TO USE HIGH OCTANE (91) FUEL-ASKED TOYOTA IF 87 WAS ALRIGHT THEY SAID YES-DOES THIS TYPIFY THE REGULAR OR MID-GRADE SITUATION AS ABOVE - PENNY WISE POUND FOOLISH?
Posted at 11:47PM on Jan 20th 2009 by NORMAN
2. I have found that over time it is best to be consist with the grade of gas your engine uses.
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Posted at 5:28PM on Mar 12th 2009 by WindshieldGuy