What are the gasoline grades in the United States?
3 Answers
Most gas stations in the United States offer fuel grades ranging from 87 to 93. Here are the specific details about U.S. gasoline grades: 1. Classification: 87 is Regular, 89 is Silver, and 93 is Gold. The U.S. uses the Motor Octane Number method for gasoline grading. 2. Gasoline Grade: It represents the ratio of the actual gasoline's anti-knock performance to that of standard gasoline. The higher the grade, the stronger the anti-knock performance. Standard gasoline is composed of isooctane and n-heptane. Higher grades are not necessarily better; the appropriate gasoline grade should be selected based on the engine's compression ratio. In December 2011, Beijing proposed changing gasoline grades from "90, 93, 97" to "89, 92, 95" and stipulated that sulfur content must not exceed 0.001%.
After driving in the U.S. for many years, I've found that there are mainly three types of gasoline grades: 87 Regular, 89 Mid-Grade, and 91–93 Premium. 87 is the most common regular gasoline, suitable for most daily-use family cars like the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic, and it's the cheapest. 89 is the mid-grade option, intended for vehicles with slightly higher performance, such as certain Ford or Chevrolet models. 91–93 is premium gasoline, designed specifically for sports cars, turbocharged engines, or luxury vehicles—brands like BMW or Mercedes-Benz require it. These grades are based on octane ratings; the higher the number, the better the knock resistance, preventing abnormal noises or engine damage during high-speed operation. Using the wrong fuel—like putting premium in a regular car—wastes money without benefits, while using 87 in a high-performance car may cause engine knocking or overheating issues. I recommend checking your vehicle’s manual and fueling accordingly—don’t cut corners. I’ve also noticed price differences: 87 is usually a few cents to a dollar cheaper per gallon than 93, and those savings add up over time. Safety first—choose the right grade to ensure smooth driving.
As a car enthusiast, I always pay attention to the impact of gasoline grades on performance. In the US, common grades are 87 octane regular, 89 mid-grade, and 91-93 premium, with the numbers representing the octane rating—the higher the number, the more stable the engine combustion. Regular cars perform fine with 87 octane, and it won't affect daily driving. However, for high-performance vehicles like the Dodge Challenger or those with turbocharged engines, 91-93 octane is necessary to achieve optimal horsepower and prevent knocking, which can cause power loss. I once saw a friend fill his Mustang with 89 octane on the track, and the engine immediately started knocking—a harsh sound that also damages the engine. When refueling, always choose the right grade based on your vehicle type: the owner's manual specifies the recommended octane rating, so don't risk saving a few bucks. Premium gasoline may be more expensive, but it benefits engine longevity. Using regular fuel incorrectly can accelerate wear or trigger the check engine light. Remember, matching the right fuel is key—don't overlook the details.
