iStock-2198562630

Is Premium Gas 87-89 or 93? Understanding Octane Ratings and What They Mean for Your Vehicle

When filling up your vehicle in Clinton, MI, or nearby areas such as Jackson or Chelsea, you may have noticed several grades of gasoline at the pump: 87, 89, and 93 octane. The question arises, is premium gas 87-89 or 93? Getting this right is crucial for your engine’s longevity, performance, and fuel efficiency, especially for owners of Dodge, RAM, Chrysler, and Jeep vehicles. At NewGen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Clinton, we’re here to help you understand octane ratings, dispel confusion, and guide your choice so your vehicle runs smooth on Michigan roads or weekend adventures.

Table of Contents

​Understanding Octane Ratings: What Do 87, 89, and 93 Mean?

Octane rating measures gasoline’s ability to resist “knocking” or premature combustion under compression in the engine. In simple terms, it reflects fuel stability and how well it burns under different engine conditions. The higher the octane number, the greater the fuel's resistance to auto-ignition caused by pressure and heat.

  • 87 Octane is considered regular gasoline and is standard for most everyday vehicles. It’s formulated to work efficiently in engines with lower compression ratios common in commuter cars and SUVs found on Clinton’s roads and nearby communities like Britton and Addison.

  • 89 Octane, often labeled midgrade, provides slightly better knock resistance than 87 octane. It’s sometimes recommended for vehicles experiencing mild knocking or for older, heavier trucks, such as those used in Jackson or Milan, that benefit from the cleaner combustion.

  • 91 to 93 Octane is premium fuel, with 93 octane being the highest readily available at many gas stations. Premium gas is essential for high-performance engines, including many Dodge and Jeep models equipped with turbochargers or high compression ratios designed for power and towing capacity.

Octane ratings are calculated using the average of Research Octane Number (RON) and Motor Octane Number (MON) tests. This (R+M)/2 rating is what you see on gas pumps in Michigan, ensuring consistent quality regardless of whether you fill up in Clinton, Chelsea, or Tipton.

​Are 87-89 and 93 the Same? Clarifying the Differences

Many drivers in Clinton and surrounding areas wonder if 87-89 and 93 gasoline are interchangeable or essentially the same. While all three are gasoline, their octane ratings and performance characteristics differ significantly:

  • 87 and 89 Octane are not the same as 93 octane. While 89 may sometimes be called premium by some brands, in Michigan and most of the U.S., 89 is midgrade and falls short of premium standards. This means it has less resistance to knocking compared to 93 octane fuel.

  • Premium gasoline at 93 octane is formulated to withstand higher combustion pressures without premature ignition, making it ideal for engines that compress fuel-air mixtures more aggressively, such as those found in Dodge Chargers or RAM 1500 trucks.

  • Midgrade’s Position: 89 octane fuel can be a middle ground for certain vehicles. While it offers better knock resistance than 87, it generally does not provide the protection or performance benefits of 93 octane. Some moderate-performance vehicles may run well on 89, especially in cities like Manchester or Cement City where fuel stations may have more limited options.

The variation in labeling can cause confusion, but checking the specific octane number on the pump and following your vehicle’s owner's manual is the best way to avoid mistakes.

​Is There Really a Performance Difference Between 87-89 and 93 Gas?

Understanding real-world differences between these fuels aids drivers in places like Norvell, Adrian, or Clarklake in making informed choices:

  • Engine Knock Reduction: Higher octane fuels like 93 prevent engine knock, which occurs when fuel combusts prematurely. Knock can damage engine components over time, especially in modern turbocharged or high-compression engines found in Jeep Wranglers or RAM trucks. Using 87 or 89 in these engines could lead to performance loss and potential engine wear.

  • Fuel Efficiency: Studies show that 93 octane fuel can improve fuel economy by about 1% in engines designed for premium gas. Although this might seem minimal, over long commutes between Clinton and Jackson, this can add up in savings and reduced environmental impact.

  • Power Output: Premium fuel allows engines to operate at optimal timing and compression, unlocking full horsepower and torque. For example, Dodge Durango drivers in Milan or Bridgewater who use 93 octane fuel benefit from smoother acceleration and towing capability.

  • Carbon Deposits and Maintenance: Premium fuels often contain higher-quality detergents that reduce carbon buildup in the combustion chamber, helping preserve engine health. Using top-tier premium gas can reduce maintenance costs and extend vehicle life, which is especially important for families relying on Chrysler Pacifica or Jeep Grand Cherokee for daily commuting in Saline or Addison.

​What Happens If You Use 93 Instead of 89, or Vice Versa?

For drivers near Clinton, Britton, or Chelsea curious about mixing octane grades:

  • Using 93 Instead of 89: For vehicles designed for midgrade fuel, using 93 usually causes no harm. Modern engine computers adjust timing to accommodate higher octane without reducing efficiency. However, you likely won’t see significant performance or fuel economy gains that justify the higher cost unless your vehicle specifically requires premium.

  • Using 89 Instead of 93: For vehicles requiring premium fuel (like many Dodge and Jeep performance models), using 89 octane can cause knocking, reduced power, and decreased fuel efficiency. Occasional use might not cause immediate damage, but regular use risks engine wear and may void warranty protections.

  • This is why following manufacturer recommendations is critical. If uncertain, consult your vehicle’s manual or speak with our service experts at NewGen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Clinton by calling (517) 456-6555.

​Should You Use 87 or 89 Gas? Expert Recommendations

Many local drivers in Manchester, Napoleon, or Tecumseh wonder if midgrade gas is worth the extra cost over regular 87 octane:

  • Use 87 Octane for Most Vehicles: If your car’s manual calls for regular gas, 87 octane is best. It provides the necessary knock resistance at a lower price, suitable for the majority of Chrysler and RAM models used for daily commuting around Clinton and Jackson.

  • Consider 89 Octane for Specific Conditions: Midgrade fuel can help with mild knocking issues or for older vehicles with moderate compression engines. Trucks doing heavy towing near Adrian or Chelsea may benefit from 89 octane during strenuous use.

  • Don’t Overspend: Using higher octane than required does not guarantee better performance or fuel economy. For many drivers in areas like Manitou Beach or Jerome, sticking to the manufacturer’s minimum specification saves money without sacrificing engine health.

​Impact of Using 89 in a Car That Needs Premium Fuel

For owners of high-performance Dodge Chargers, Jeep Grand Cherokees, or RAM 1500s in Clinton or surrounding communities considering skipping premium fuel:

  • Engine Knock and Damage: Using 89 instead of 93 can cause knocking or pinging sounds, potentially damaging pistons, valves, and spark plugs. This compromises engine efficiency and longevity.

  • Warranty Concerns: Many manufacturers specify premium fuel as a condition of warranty coverage. Using lower octane regularly could void warranty claims on engine repairs.

  • Reduced Performance: Your vehicle might lose horsepower and fuel efficiency, especially noticeable when towing heavy loads between Cement City and Clarklake.

  • Professional Advice: If accidental use occurs, switching back to the correct octane and scheduling a service inspection is advisable. Book your next maintenance appointment with our skilled technicians at NewGen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Clinton by clicking here to Schedule Service.

​Local Resources and Next Steps for Clinton Area Drivers

Choosing the right fuel is just the start of keeping your vehicle reliable and ready for Michigan roads. Here’s how NewGen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Clinton supports you:

  • Explore Our New and Used Vehicle Inventory: Find your ideal Dodge, RAM, Jeep, or Chrysler model tailored to your driving needs with our New Inventory and All used inventory online.

  • Get Your Current Vehicle’s Value: Thinking about trading in? Check your trade’s worth instantly with our tool to Get your trade value or an offer to purchase. Remember, we will buy your car with no purchase required.

  • Keep Your Vehicle Running Strong: Utilize our Mopar Parts Center for genuine replacement parts and accessories designed specifically for your vehicle.

  • Service You Can Trust: Our certified technicians understand the demands of Michigan driving and use genuine parts with transparent pricing. Schedule your next maintenance or repair service hassle-free by clicking to Schedule Service.

  • Community Commitment: NewGen CDJR is proud to serve Clinton and neighboring cities like Brooklyn, Addison, and Dundee with a car buying experience that is FUN, INFORMATIVE, and FAIR. Our promises include transparent pricing, a pressure-free sales process, flexible financing options, and support for local events and charities.

Drive Confidently with the Right Fuel and Trusted Support in Clinton, MI

Choosing between 87, 89, and 93 octane fuel is more than a simple pump decision—it’s about protecting your engine, maximizing performance, and ensuring peace of mind on every trip from Clinton to Jackson or Chelsea. Whether you drive a rugged Jeep Wrangler for weekend adventures or a powerful RAM 1500 for work and play, using the correct fuel grade specified by Dodge, RAM, Chrysler, or Jeep is essential.

For personalized advice, expert service, or to explore our extensive vehicle selection, visit us at 1111 W Michigan Ave, Clinton, MI 49236 or call (517) 456-6555. At NewGen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Clinton, we are your trusted partner for safe, reliable, and powerful vehicles designed for Michigan’s roads and lifestyles.

Explore more automotive insights and updates on our Blog.

© 2025 NewGen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Clinton

Categories: Fuel Types & Octane Ratings, Engine Performance & Efficiency, Local Dealership Resources, Buying Guides
Tags: Turbocharged Engines, Fuel Economy, Engine Knock, Gasoline Grades, High-Performance Engines, Jeep, Chrysler, Engine Performance, 93 Octane, 89 Octane, 87 Octane, Octane Ratings, Premium Gas, Dodge Vehicles, Fuel Efficiency, RAM Trucks, Vehicle Maintenance, Clinton MI

Search Blog

Subscribe to Our Blog

Popular Tags

Clinton MI NewGen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram RAM 1500 Jeep Wrangler Towing Capacity Michigan Roads Mopar Parts NewGen CDJR Jeep Grand Cherokee Vehicle Maintenance Dodge Durango RAM Trucks NewGen CDJR Clinton All-Wheel Drive Chrysler Pacifica Fuel Efficiency Michigan Trucks Safety Features Vehicle Safety Off-Road Capability Michigan Car Dealership Advanced Safety Features Jeep Maintenance Family SUV Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Clinton SUV Comparison Ram 2500 truck performance Jeep Gladiator