08/22/2026
Let's clear up the confusion around gas pump numbers, because a lot of folks are just burning money on high octane for no reason.
The word premium makes it sound like better gas, but 91 octane does not give you extra horsepower, cleaner valves, or better mileage. Octane is just a stability rating. It measures how well the fuel resists igniting too early under high heat and heavy compression.
Here is the plain truth.
Your daily driver, like a 2015 Honda or a standard truck, is designed from the ground up for 87 octane. The compression is not high enough to need extra knock resistance. Putting 91 in a regular commuter car does not make it run better, it just drains your wallet at the pump.
High-compression rides, like a modern Harley-Davidson or a turbo engine, are a different story. Big air-cooled V-twins and high-boost motors run hot and squeeze the fuel mix hard. They need 91 or higher to stop the fuel from firing before the spark plug tells it to. Running cheap 87 in these causes pinging, robs power, and can beat up your pistons over time.
Check your fuel door or manual. If it calls for 87, run 87. If it requires 91, give it 91.
If your motor is knocking or losing power under load, come see us in Central City or give us a shout at 605-578-1471.
