COLUMBIA, S.C. — According to Gas Buddy, 48 percent of gas stations are out of gas in our state, and drivers are heading to pumps looking to fill up.
"I've been driving around a couple of days trying to find premium gas," said Columbia resident Christine Stanley. "I stopped at a gas station on Polo Rd, and they only had regular.
"I did start to panic," Columbia resident Jaleesha Ferguson said. "I think it was Thursday when I saw all of the Facebook posts, and I noticed I needed gas today."
Some stations only have one option to select. News19 wanted to take ask an expert if different gas levels will impact your car. The answer, in short, depends on what your owner's manual says.
"Nothing will happen," said Midlands Honda service manager Daniel Stegall. "The PCM (powertrain control module) will adjust to the different octane levels."
That's true for cars that require regular only. Stegall stays drivers can use either premium or unleaded in those types of cars. He says premium is better for cars, but unleaded is more friendly to wallets. You will have fewer fuel-related repairs with premium gas versus unleaded.
"The PCM will do the same thing," explained Stegall. "It will adjust down. You will probably see some changes in like a sports car, but it won't affect the longevity of the engine."
One big difference is if you have a car that requires premium. In that case, you should only use that type of fuel. Using a lower grade could cause problems, including engine knock.
If you're not sure what octane rating your car requires, you can find that in your owner's manual
There's also one final mistake you don't want to make.
"Don't put diesel in an unleaded car," Stegall said. "You will be in the shop. If you run an unleaded car with diesel in it, you can damage the engine. However, if you catch it quick enough, it can be cleaned and flushed out. But a lot of times, it won't."
