Should You Spend Extra on Premium Gas for Rental Cars?

When it comes to fueling rental cars, a common question arises: Is it worth the extra cost to fill up with premium gas? This debate has sparked strong opinions among drivers, but the answer may be simpler than you think.

Would You Put Premium Gas In a Rental?

In a viral TikTok video that garnered over 38,000 views, creator HJ (@datdudejackson) shared his perspective while refueling at an Exxon station. He boldly stated, “Idc what the manufacturer says. Never put premium fuel in a rental.” His reasoning? “Rentals have the highest mileage.”

Many drivers are hesitant to use premium gas in rental cars due to the added expense. Premium fuel can cost anywhere from 50 cents to $1 more per gallon than regular fuel, which can quickly add up, especially if you’re filling up multiple times during a short rental period. Additionally, since rental cars often have higher mileage and may not be maintained as meticulously as personal vehicles, some believe that using premium fuel offers little benefit.

Is Premium Gas Worth It?

The primary difference between premium and regular fuel lies in their octane ratings. Octane measures a fuel’s ability to resist engine knock, which is the premature combustion that can potentially damage an engine over time. According to AAA, higher octane (premium) fuel reduces this risk, but most vehicles are designed to operate efficiently on regular fuel.

If your rental car specifically requires premium gas, then it’s essential to use it. However, if the vehicle only recommends premium, regular gas is typically sufficient. You might notice a slight difference in performance or fuel efficiency, but it won’t harm the engine. Most gas pumps label 87 as regular, 89 as mid-grade, and 91-93 as premium. Modern engines can usually handle a mix of regular and premium fuels without issues, unless they specifically require high octane.

It’s important to note that diesel engines operate on a different system entirely and should never be mixed with gasoline. For most drivers, if a car runs well on regular gas, opting for premium is often an unnecessary expense. Experimenting with different fuels and brands over a few tanks can help you determine what works best for your vehicle without breaking the bank.

Commenters React

The TikTok video sparked a lively discussion in the comments section. One user, who claimed to have worked at Enterprise, remarked, “Every car including luxury got regular lol.” Another commenter humorously stated, “And this is why you never buy rentals!”

Some users had mixed feelings about the topic. One shared, “I’ll put premium in a rental if it calls for it and if I’m going to use the gas myself. I might as well enjoy the full power if it’s a nice car. If I’m turning it back in, it’ll get regular though lol.”

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision to use premium gas in a rental car boils down to the specific requirements of the vehicle and your personal preferences. While premium fuel may provide some benefits for certain high-performance cars, for most rental vehicles, regular gas is perfectly adequate. By understanding the differences between fuel types and considering the context of your rental, you can make an informed choice that suits both your wallet and your driving experience.