new cars, trucks, and SUVs are better than they’ve ever been before. They run smoother, last longer, and generally deliver more performance on a gallon of gasoline than any older vehicle. The great improvements that we’re enjoying now are the result of billions of dollars spent on research and development in every aspect of motor vehicles. But it still holds true that you cannot get something for nothing. There’s always a tradeoff, and for some cars, that means using more expensive premium gasoline. But does your car really need premium gas?
Modern computer-controlled engine management systems allow new engines to run very efficiently, at a level that simply was not possible with a carburetor and a traditional distributor for ignition. One of the facts about modern engines is that in order to get plenty of torque and horsepower from a smaller engine, the design has to use higher compression or a turbocharger, and that often means premium fuel will be required.
