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Save money with the right gas

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If you think you're doing your engine a favor, or teasing it into making more power by filling up with premium fuel, you might as well be lighting your spark plugs with $20 bills.

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Modern automotive engines are computer controlled to operate within a tight range of operating parameters, and that includes how much octane is in the gasoline you use.

Almost all engines run properly on the 87-grade octane “regular” gasoline that is the least expensive at the pumps, and won’t generate any more power if you fill up with premium.

Just follow what your owner’s manual says.

If it -- or your gas cap or gas gauge -- has a label saying “premium recommended,” ignore it. You’ll never notice the small amount of power the engine will produce with higher-octane premium gasoline.

No engine “needs” mid-grade fuel, so don't waste your money on that either.

The only reason to put the high-octane hose in your car is if your owner's manual says “premium required.”

Those are usually luxury and performance cars with high-compression engines and a few Volkswagen and Mini models you wouldn't expect to need premium fuel -- but do.

With premium costing about 30 cents a gallon more than regular, you can blow $20 or $25 a month, or several hundred dollars a year, using the wrong fuel.

Looking for other ways to cut your fuel bill? Our 8 ways to save gas can help.