Most people are aware that there are three choices for gasoline at the pumps: regular, mid-grade and premium.  But what does it all mean, and is there a difference?

Regular grade gasoline is perfectly fine for most drivers and is now the dominant fuel of choice.  However, the more powerful the car engine the more sensitive a driver should be to the type and grade of gasoline they put in their car.

The main differences in grades of gasoline are the octane level and type of additives included in the gasoline.  A gasoline's octane rating measures its ability to prevent engine knocking.  Powerful engines exert more pressure on the major components of your car, including head gaskets, spark plugs and pistons.  Also, higher-grade gasoline can include more additives which work to boost the octane level.  General recommendations for which type of gasoline to use can usually be found in the owner's manual of your vehicle.
 
Additionally, the West Virginia Division of Labor's Weights & Measures Section is responsible for overseeing and verifying the fuels being offered by state gas stations.  The organization's duties include: calibration of pumps, tanks and meters; assuring fuel quality; and, verification of scales, registers, scanners and weighing devices for accuracy.

The major oil companies that supply West Virginia's fuel outlets include:  British Petroleum (BP), CITGO Petroleum, ExxonMobil and Marathon Petroleum Company.  

For additional information on the differences between the various grades of gasoline, please contact us at (304) 343-5500.

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