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Experts Explain The Impact Of Each Type Of Fuel On The Engine, On The Wallet, And On The Car Durability.
With fuel prices always in the spotlight and the search for savings gaining strength among Brazilian drivers, a recurring question takes over gas stations: after all, what is the real difference between regular gasoline, additive, and premium?
And, mainly: which one is more worthwhile for the wallet and for the engine?
Although it seems like a simple choice, the answer depends on several factors: type of car, driving style, usage routine, and even maintenance frequency.
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Many people believe that the more expensive gasoline is always the best — but that is not always true.
In this article, you will understand in detail how each type of gasoline works, what the benefits and disadvantages are, and discover which option truly makes sense for your vehicle.
Regular Gasoline: The Simplest, But Efficient
Regular gasoline is the most basic among those sold in Brazil and serves as a base for the other versions.
It is composed of a mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum, with a mandatory addition of anhydrous ethanol between 20% and 27%, as determined by ANP (National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Biofuels).
This type of gasoline does not contain detergent or dispersant additives, meaning it lacks substances that help clean the engine.
Even so, it is perfectly suitable for most popular and mid-range vehicles available in the country.
The main point of concern is that, in the long term, the exclusive use of regular gasoline can contribute to the formation of deposits in injectors, valves, and combustion chambers, especially in vehicles with neglected maintenance.
It is a viable, economical, and functional option — as long as the car is in good condition and properly maintained.
Additive Gasoline: Engine Protection
Additive gasoline is the same as regular gasoline, but enriched with detergent, dispersant, and antioxidant additives.
These compounds help keep the engine’s fuel system cleaner, preventing the buildup of harmful residues.
According to Petrobras and specialists from the Brazilian Automotive Engineering Association (AEA), the continuous use of additive gasoline can increase the lifespan of components like injectors, improve fuel combustion, and, in some cases, slightly reduce consumption.
Despite costing on average R$ 0.10 to R$ 0.30 more per liter than regular, the additive pays off in the long run, especially in vehicles with intense urban use or that drive little.
It does not offer gains in power or performance, but it contributes to the overall health of the engine.
Therefore, it is recommended by various automakers as the ideal choice for those who want an extra layer of protection for the combustion system.
Premium Gasoline: High Performance, But For Few
Premium gasoline has a higher octane rating — generally above 95 IAD (Anti-Knock Index) — and was developed for high-performance vehicle engines.
Examples include sports cars, luxury SUVs, imported sedans, and turbo engines with high compression ratios.
This type of fuel is designed to prevent the phenomenon known as “knocking,” which can occur in powerful engines fueled with low-octane gasoline.
The two most well-known premium gasolines in Brazil are Podium (from Petrobras), with up to 102 octanes, and Octapro (from Ipiranga), with 97 octanes.
Both include advanced additives, detergents, and antioxidants.
Although it is technically superior, premium gasoline only makes sense in engines that require this specification in the manual.
Using it in popular cars does not lead to savings or performance improvements.
Moreover, its cost is much higher — reaching R$ 1.00 to R$ 1.50 more per liter than regular gasoline.
What Is The Best Choice For Your Car?
The best gasoline for your car is the one indicated in the owner’s manual.
This is the first point every driver should consider before choosing the type of fuel.
If the car is flex and frequently operates in urban conditions, additive gasoline can be a good preventive choice.
Regular gasoline remains a safe and functional option, provided that the vehicle is properly serviced.
Premium, on the other hand, is recommended only for those who own vehicles with specific high-demand engines, such as sporty models from BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and others.
Experts Respond: Myth Or Truth?
According to Ricardo Dilser, an engineer at Stellantis, “additive gasoline does not increase power, but reduces the effects of carbonization and improves the lifespan of the injection system.”
Petrobras states that “Podium gasoline should be used in engines that require high octanes. In others, there are no performance advantages.”
Therefore, fueling with more expensive gasoline thinking of “improving the car” is not always effective — and may represent just extra expenditure.
And Where Does Ethanol Fit In?
Ethanol, despite being another fuel, is added to all Brazilian gasolines in anhydrous form (without water), with a content between 20% and 27%, according to legislation.
This addition helps reduce pollutant emissions and boosts the sugarcane and alcohol sector.
Hydrated ethanol (sold pure) is a real alternative for flex cars, especially when its price is below 70% of the value of gasoline.
This is because it yields less, but also costs significantly less.
In other words, regular gasoline is sufficient for most Brazilian vehicles.
Additive gasoline offers an extra layer of protection and can be a smart choice for continuous use.
Premium gasoline should be reserved for cars with specific and demanding engines.
The secret lies in knowing your car, reading the manual, and refueling at trustworthy stations.
More important than the choice of gasoline is ensuring preventive maintenance is up to date and paying attention to the vehicle’s behavior.
And you, have you noticed a difference in your car’s performance or consumption when changing the type of gasoline? Which one do you usually use — and why?
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