Drivers Spurn Premium Fuel

It looks as if drivers are taking to heart at least one of our Gas-Saving Tips of the Day. Drivers have begun to turn away from premium fuel, even when it’s recommended for their car, in favor of less pricey regular gas.

The move is part of a long-time trend, but has accelerated this year as gas prices have topped $4 and premium prices have reached $4.48, according to AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report. Ten years ago, premium fuel sales accounted for 16.6% of the market. Today it’s only 9.4%. In addition, since April of last year sales of midgrade gasoline are up 15.6% even though overall gas sales are down 1.4%.

The number of cars that either require or “recommend” (meaning they run better with premium in the tank but will certainly not fall apart with the cheap stuff) has risen in the past six years, from 166 models in 2002 to 282 today. Clearly automakers might need to rethink this trend with consumers balking at paying the extra 30 cents per gallon.

Drivers Turning to Lower-Grade Gas (The New York Times)