AOL Autos Repair Blog

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.'

Tom Torbjornsen, AOL Autos

For years I have been asking people on my radio show the following question: "At what price per gallon of gasoline would you change the type of vehicle you drive?" And for years people have told me that, instead of trading in their SUVs and pickups, they would alter their lifestyle and budgets to accommodate driving their vehicles of choice. Well, this year there was a major shift in that response when gas hit $4.00 per gallon.

As a contributor for AOL Autos, I asked that they conduct a poll of AOL readers. Here is the poll as it appeared on AOL Autos the week of July 14th, 2008.

Over eighty thousand people responded in just two days. Although 81% of respondents said that high gas prices have changed how or what they drive, only 36% are actively seeking to buy a more fuel-efficient car. That means more people are changing how they drive rather than what they drive. This is probably due to the volatile economic climate. Consumers are holding on tightly to their dollars in anticipating that the worst is yet to come.