regular gas = better mpg?

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Apr 25, 2013 | 12:22 AM
  #1  
The other day I got gas and they put regular, I stopped them at about 10gal and told them to put the rest premium.

Today on my ride home I noticed a full +1 improvement in mpg. I cruise control driving home, and everything else being equal, AC off, windows closed. Not saying I will continue to do this as I know its not good for the car, but just thought I'd share.

I know the ecu adapts so I'm guessing maybe it just got confused? Does that make sense?
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Apr 25, 2013 | 12:27 AM
  #2  
I would just guess driving pattern.

I'm just confused as to where there are still full service gas stations? That is crazy!
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Apr 25, 2013 | 12:32 AM
  #3  
I would totally agree. The higher octane means the gas is less prone to detonation. So in a sense since you realize that regular gas was put in your lead foot lost a few pounds.
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Apr 25, 2013 | 12:55 AM
  #4  
Well thats the thing, I use cruise control id say about 90% of the drive home, 74mph same as any other day.

i fully expect to get like 7mpg on the ride to work tomorrow just so it'll even out, lol
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Apr 25, 2013 | 01:44 AM
  #5  
Quote:
I'm just confused as to where there are still full service gas stations? That is crazy!
per state law, NJ only has full service gas stations.
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Apr 25, 2013 | 09:26 AM
  #6  
Technically, lower octane requires less energy to ignite (higher detonation propensity) and is therefore more fuel efficient. I'm not sure if it's enough to be noticeable but it is possible.
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Apr 25, 2013 | 09:44 AM
  #7  
If you were driving in such a way that the ignition timing was not being retarded, then its possible that you would get better gas mileage.
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Apr 25, 2013 | 01:51 PM
  #8  
it depends on the gas. If they use ethanol to raise Octane, then there is less energy in the premium fuel = worse mileage.
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Apr 25, 2013 | 02:07 PM
  #9  
Quote: per state law, NJ only has full service gas stations.
Learn something new everyday. Thanks
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Apr 25, 2013 | 04:09 PM
  #10  
Quote: Learn something new everyday. Thanks
You've seriously never been to jersey?
Did you know that dont have left turns there on major state roads?
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