Why Should I Use Premium Fuel In My Mazda Vehicles?

When you head to one of the gas stations in Fort Worth, Texas, to fill up your Mazda, you’ve probably noticed two or three fuel options with varying octane ratings. So how do you know which one to choose? Most drivers use regular gasoline in their vehicles, but you may wonder if switching to premium fuel will make your car run better for your daily commute. Read below as our team at Hiley Mazda of Fort Worth shares this helpful guide to explain what premium gas is and whether you should use it in your Mazda. View our new inventory today, or If you have any questions give us a call at (817) 663-7404.

What’s the Difference Between Premium and Regular Fuel?

Gas Station Pump by Robert Geiger is licensed with CC BY 2.0

In most states, the octane rating for regular gas is 87, while premium gas has a higher rating of 91 or 93. A higher octane rating allows fuel to withstand higher compression and reduces the chance of engine detonation happening at the wrong time. Although an occasional engine detonation is unlikely to harm your vehicle, frequent detonations can cause your Mazda’s engine performance to decline faster.

High-performance engines with turbochargers or high compression ratios usually need premium fuel to maximize performance and efficiency. But manufacturers build most vehicles today to run on regular fuel.

Should You Use Regular or Premium Gas in Your Mazda?

You can figure out what type of fuel your Mazda vehicle needs by checking the owners manual, which will give you the most up-to-date and reliable information. You can also look inside your car’s fuel door for a sticker that tells you if your car needs regular or premium gasoline. Certain vehicles require premium gasoline, while others work fine with regular gas. Some cars can use both, allowing you to choose premium fuel for a possible increase in horsepower.

The fuel needs of some recent Mazda models are as follows:

• 2020 and 2021 Mazda3 sedan: Regular fuel for all trim levels or premium fuel for the 2021 2.5 Turbo and 2021 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus.
• 2020 and 2021 Mazda3 hatchback: Regular fuel.
• 2020 Mazda6: Regular fuel for all models or premium fuel for the Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, and Limited trims.
• 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata and MX-5 Miata RF: The minimum requirement is regular fuel, but Mazda recommends premium fuel.
• 2020 Mazda CX-3: Regular fuel.
• 2020 and 2021 Mazda CX-30: Regular fuel.
• 2020 and 2021 Mazda CX-5: Regular fuel for all trims or premium fuel for the 2020 and 2021 Grand Touring Reserve model, 2020 and 2021 Signature, and 2021 Carbon Edition.
• 2020 and 2021 Mazda CX-9: Regular or premium fuel for all models.

Why Shouldn’t You Use Regular Fuel if Your Car Needs Premium Fuel?

Although everyday engines can operate on regular gasoline without any issues, high-performance engines come with various features that require premium fuel to function at their best. Using regular fuel in a vehicle that needs premium gas can cause a drop in fuel economy and horsepower because the electronic control unit will have to adjust to compensate. Regular fuel can also cause pre-ignition, which can damage your car and result in an array of other problems. And you may void the warranty if you choose regular fuel when your car requires premium gas.

So paying the extra cost to fill the tank is best if your vehicle requires premium fuel. If you’re experiencing pinging, knocking, or pre-ignition no matter what fuel type you use, it may be time to take your car to the service center for an inspection.

When premium fuel is a recommendation but not a requirement, you can try regular and premium gas to see if you notice a difference in performance. If you don’t, regular fuel is a safer choice. For a car that doesn’t need or recommend premium fuel, using it won’t benefit your vehicle. You’ll only be spending extra money at the gas station that could go toward an oil change or tire rotation.

Is Premium Gas Better?

Premium fuel may seem like a better option for your vehicle because it’s more expensive, has a higher octane rating, and often has a fancier name. But the truth is that regular fuel will work fine if your Mazda’s engine doesn’t need premium fuel. All gasoline types have EPA-mandated additives to help your car’s engine run smoothly and stay clean. And some auto manufacturers have in-house detergents to remove and prevent residue buildup.

Purchasing Top Tier gasoline ensures you’ll get gasoline with a high-quality additive package, regardless of whether it’s regular or premium. This gas type has a more concentrated detergent level than the EPA requires.

Does Premium Fuel Differ by Manufacturer?

Different gasoline manufacturers use different formulas to make their premium fuel. They also give their premium gasoline unique names to distinguish them from regular gas. Shell’s premium fuel is V-Power NiTRO+, which features four levels of protection from wear, corrosion, friction, and gunk. This patented product is the most advanced gasoline the company has ever developed.

Another notable premium fuel is ExxonMobil’s Synergy Supreme+, which has high detergent levels for better fuel economy and cleaner fuel injectors. It can even clean engine deposits that less-refined gasoline leaves behind. If you fill your vehicle with premium fuel, opt for gasoline from a Top Tier manufacturer to ensure you’ll get the best quality and a top-notch additive package.

Do You Want Your Mazda To Run at Its Best?

Using the right fuel type isn’t the only way to keep your Mazda running in peak condition. It’s also important to stay on top of a routine maintenance schedule. If you’re looking for a reputable Mazda service center in Fort Worth, Texas, visit us at Hiley Mazda of Fort Worth, from oil changes to brake services, Batteries, and more.  We offer a full range of auto services to help your pride and joy deliver maximum performance and longevity. We also have an incredible Mazda OEM parts department if you are looking for Mazda parts. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions about your Mazda’s gasoline requirements or maintenance needs.