Which Fuel Type Does My Vehicle Need? | Genesis of Palm Springs

There are many fuel options that are available for drivers to choose between when they reach the gas pump. However, as many drivers know, not every fuel can be used in a vehicle. In fact, using the wrong fuel in your vehicle can cause the vehicle’s engine to fail, leading to your vehicle needing expensive repairs and possibly an entire engine replacement. Therefore, you should know which type of fuel your vehicle needs before you fill your vehicle’s tank up.

Refer to Your Vehicle’s Owner’s Manual

There are many ways for you to determine which type of fuel you need to use in your vehicle, such as using online tools that let you search by your vehicle’s make and model. However, the most reliable way for you to identify which type of fuel your vehicle needs is by referring to the owner’s manual of your vehicle. In the owner’s manual you will find the fuel that your vehicle needs and a multitude of recommendations from the vehicle’s manufacturer that will help you maintain your vehicle. If you cannot find the physical owner’s manual that came with your vehicle, then you can search online for a copy of the manual.

Different Types of Fuel

There is an extensive list of fuel types that are available for vehicles of all kinds, whether boats, rocket ships, or planes. However, for common commuter vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and motorcycles, there are two main types of fuels that are used; gasoline and diesel fuel. Gasoline is the most common type of fuel that is used in vehicles, though it is split further based on its octane rating.

The octane rating of gasoline describes the amount of pressure that the gasoline can be placed under before it ignites. At most gasoline pumps, customers are able to choose between 87 octane, 89 octane, and 93 octane gasoline, which is also described as regular, mid-grade, and premium gasoline. Vehicles with high-performance engines typically need premium gasoline so that the fuel can handle the higher compression in the engines.

Diesel fuel is a special type of fuel that can only be used in engines that are designed for the fuel, known as diesel engines. Diesel engines differ from gasoline engines in several ways, but the main thing that separates diesel engines from gasoline engines is the way that they combust fuel. Diesel fuel is refined differently than gasoline and is thicker than gasoline as well. As a result of their design, diesel engines tend to be more fuel efficient than gasoline engines because they can produce more power using less fuel.

Benefits of Using the Right Fuel

Using the right fuel in your vehicle’s engine will allow it to perform optimally and smoothly. The right fuel for your vehicle’s engine will also promote the longevity of the engine. Many fuels at gas stations have additives that provide additional benefits to the vehicles of drivers.

Using the Wrong Type of Fuel

Your vehicle’s engine can fail if you use the wrong type of fuel in the engine. However, this is not always the case. For example, if your vehicle requires regular gasoline in its engine and you use premium gasoline for the engine, then the engine will be okay. In contrast, if your vehicle’s engine needs to run on premium gasoline and you use regular gasoline in the engine, then the engine of the vehicle can begin to knock as a result of pre-detonation. Modern vehicles are equipped to handle these situations to the best of their ability though, minimizing the amount of damage that is caused to their engines.

Placing gasoline into a diesel engine and placing diesel fuel into a gasoline engine can lead to both engines failing. The engines are not designed to handle either type of different fuel and can suffer much damage due to the difference in their designs.

There is a wide variety of engine designs that are used in vehicles, allowing the vehicles to cater to different customer needs. With the variety of engine designs comes a variety of fuel types. It is important for you to use the right fuel in your vehicle so that the vehicle can perform optimally. Visit us at Genesis Of Palm Springs so that we can help you keep your vehicle in excellent running condition. We will be glad to help you identify the fuel that your vehicle needs and to make sure that you have the products and services that you need for your vehicle as well.