Originally Posted by CharlieO
I am going to experiment with mid-grade and regular gas. My father is an automotive engineer with 50+ years of experience with internal combustion engines, and he says that for the kind of driving that I do, premium gas is probably unnecessary. I'm driving exclusively on flat Florida roads, without rapid acceleration, and I'm almost never on the highways. My car is a "boulevard cruiser." If I do note any signs of pinging or reduced power, I'll definitely go back to premium gas immediately.
Bingo. Florida heat. The enemy of your engine. Ping is the result of pre-ignition. Compression heat ignites the fuel mix. On hot days ping will occur much more easily.
You are warm in winter and hot in summer.
And you want to use the cheap stuff?
What's the Vin on your car so we can avoid buying it.