The difference between 87 and 88 octane gas is the amount of anti-knock properties, which are the compounds that help prevent engine knocking. 87 octane fuel is a regular gasoline, which is usually the least expensive option at the pump. It contains lower levels of anti-knock properties than the higher octane grades, so it is not suitable for high-performance vehicles. 88 octane fuel is a mid-grade gasoline, which contains higher levels of anti-knock properties and is suitable for vehicles that require higher octane fuel. It is also more resistant to pre-ignition or engine knocking, which can cause damage to the engine. Additionally, 88 octane fuel is typically more expensive than 87 octane fuel.
In general, higher octane fuel is better for engines that require it, as it helps reduce engine knocking and pre-ignition. However, for vehicles that only require 87 octane fuel, it is not worth spending the extra money for the higher octane fuel. The higher octane fuel could actually cause the engine to run less efficiently and put extra strain on the engine. It is important to check the owner’s manual to determine the correct octane rating for the vehicle.