Out of Gas: Is Premium Required or Just Recommended?

Out of gas and unsure which grade to request? Check the vehicle’s fuel requirement before arranging delivery.

“It’s a luxury car” or “it has a turbo” is not a complete fuel specification. Check the fuel information in the owner’s manual for the exact year, model and engine. If the filler label provides instructions, read those too.

The DOE and EPA’s octane guide says to use the octane required by the manufacturer. Premium being required is different from premium being recommended for improved performance. When the manual allows regular but recommends premium, use its stated minimum and any conditions rather than treating the two words as interchangeable.

In the United States, the government guide describes premium gasoline as typically ranging from 91 to 94 octane. That makes “premium” less precise than an actual minimum number. Tell Rick’s what your manual specifies and confirm that the delivered fuel meets it.

The same guide warns that fuel below the required octane can impair operation and damage the engine or emissions system over time. Don’t assume an empty tank creates an exception to the manufacturer’s requirement. If the wording is unclear, consult the manufacturer or dealer before authorizing a substitute.

Rick’s offers regular and premium roadside fuel delivery, subject to confirming the requested fuel and availability. Have these details ready:

• Vehicle year, make, model and engine, if known.
• The required fuel type and minimum octane.
• Whether the manual says required or recommended.
• The requested quantity and any filler-access issue.
• What happened before the vehicle stopped.

Confirm the total delivery quote and amount before dispatch. A request for premium does not by itself confirm a particular octane, quantity or arrival time. If you cannot find the specification, say so rather than guessing.