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What Are The Difference Between Gasoline Types?

Many drivers never have to worry about when to use premium or regular gasoline. While most cars typically take regular fuel, you may have recently purchased a new or used vehicle that requires premium gasoline. While you may be uncertain which type of fuel is best for your car, understanding the differences between the fuel types can help you determine what you need to know the next time you fill up.

What Types of Gas Are There?

When you pull up to the fuel pump, you’ll usually see three types of gas options. Each type of gas is characterized by its octane rating. Here’s what you need to know about each option:

Regular Gas

Regular gas is the common fuel option that most people are familiar with. Not only is it the cheapest option, but it’s also the one with the lowest octane rating. In most states, regular gas has an octane rating of 87. Lower octane is not necessarily bad, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with sticking to regular fuel if that’s what your car needs.

Premium Gas

Premium gas has a higher octane rating than regular fuel. Premium gas typically has an octane rating of 91. Many sport cars and luxury vehicles use premium gas to improve their performance.

Supreme Gas

Supreme gas, sometimes also known as super or premium plus gas, has the highest octane rating at 93. If you own a luxury or high-performance vehicle, this fuel may be the one that helps you get the most out of your car. Some people believe that supreme gas can help clean their vehicles’ engines, but this is not the case. There is no additional benefit to using supreme or premium plus gas if your manufacturer does not recommend or require it.

What Is Octane?

Octane measures the ability of the fuel to resist knocking, which is a sound you may hear in your car when the combination of air and fuel is not quite right. Each vehicle has different octane requirements, and an engine that knocks is not running as efficiently as it should. Fuel with a higher octane rating is less likely to cause a detonation at the wrong time, which reduces your engine’s performance.

Why Should You Use Regular Gas Instead of Premium Fuel?

Regular gas is more affordable than other options, so you should not pay more for premium fuel if your car is not going to benefit from it. If your car recommends premium fuel but does not require it, you may also get by just using regular gas and saving a few bucks.

Putting premium fuel in a car that requires regular means you’ll get an engine knock, and it can cause some engine damage over time. Remember: you will not gain any performance benefits by using premium fuel if your manufacturer does not recommend or require it. You may even end up damaging your vehicle instead.

Why Should You Use Premium Fuel Instead of Regular?

Whether your vehicle manufacturer recommends or requires premium fuel, you’ll see some benefits to using it. Not only are you likely to see a slight increase in your vehicle’s performance, but you might also see a benefit in your fuel economy as well. You’ll also see improved emissions to go with all that extra power.

Now, using regular gas can be a problem if you own a vehicle requiring premium or super premium fuel. Your high compression can cause the engine to knock. Some newer cars have sensors that prevent engine knocking. Knocking means that the fuel is combusting too quickly for your engine, causing a terrible noise. You’ll also see the impact on your car’s power.

How Do You Know Which Fuel to Use?

If you’re still not sure what kind of fuel to use, check the owner’s manual of your vehicle. Whether you bought a new, used, or certified used car, you should have access to a manual in your car or online. Some cars even have the recommendation on the gas cap itself. If you still aren’t certain, you can also ask a service technician at the dealership.

If you have a vehicle designed for performance or your car is turbocharged, you’ll likely use premium gas. In contrast, a typical sedan, SUV, or pickup truck likely uses regular gas. When you shop for cars, you can ask the dealer to show you cars that use a specific type of fuel. This may be useful if you have concerns about how much you spend on fuel, for instance.

What Should You Do If You Used the Wrong Gas?

If you use the wrong fuel, you should schedule a service appointment with a technician. While using the wrong gas one time is not likely to cause serious damage, you should still have your car checked out to avoid engine knocking and other issues. It’s best to avoid making a habit of using the wrong fuel.

The biggest problem comes from accidentally putting diesel fuel in a car that does not require it. In this case, you will need to drain the fuel from your car to avoid clogging your fuel filters. Diesel fuel is thick, and you don’t want to try driving with it if your car doesn’t need it. Take your car to a mechanic right away.

What Happens If You Mix Regular and Premium Gas?

Mixing fuels will not improve your engine performance. Stick with one type of gas to ensure that your vehicle is reaping all the benefits of its recommended fuel type. If you do mix fuel types on occasion, you’re not likely to see terrible results. More often, you’ll simply see reduced fuel efficiency.

At Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick of Georgetown, we know that most people want a car that is efficient and performs well. Browse our new car selection to determine which vehicle meets your standards for efficiency and identify whether you require a car that takes premium or regular fuel.

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Equinox

A New Generation of the Equinox

As you ride around Boone County, you may envision traveling in a vehicle that suits your needs. Whether you’re a daily commuter making your way across the bridge to Cincinnati, a small family taking the youngsters to the park, or a weekend adventurer setting up camp, there’s a compact SUV that’s a favorite among Florence drivers. The Chevy Equinox isn’t just suitable for everyday commuters; it’s also a safe and dependable family vehicle, ready-for-anything explorer, and dutiful errand runner, making it one of the best-selling SUVs on the market. If you’re searching for a Chevy dealer near Florence, you’ll want to stop by Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick of Georgetown, where we offer many Equinox models, and if you want to be really impressed, you’ll want to take a closer look at the newest Equinox models to hit the streets. The 2025 Equinox doesn’t just sport a revitalized design; this new generation offers plenty of features to local travelers to make their time on the road exceptional. The Adventure-Ready ACTIV Trim New for 2025, the Equinox lineup includes the ACTIV trim, which appeals to those looking to get out and enjoy our local scenery. This is the first time the ACTIV has been offered on this nameplate, bringing a whole new level of versatility to the Equinox. Not only does the ACTIV showcase a rugged and confident design, but it’s also loaded with features to help you traverse uneven ground with precision. From all-terrain tires to specially-tuned suspensions, finding yourself on a gravel path or rolling down I-71 will feel like a dream inside this stellar trim. What’s more, is that the ACTIV offers convenient features to help you make the most of any adventure. With roof rails, you can secure mountain bikes, kayaks, and other gear for some time out in nature, and with an available two-tone roof, making a statement wherever you travel is easy. A distinctive grille and fascia designed just for this trim can be enjoyed, as well as Evotex and sueded microfiber appointments to heighten comfort on board, especially when you’re loading up and hitting the campsite for some time to relax and unplug. As Safe as Ever The Equinox is a trusted commuter, family vehicle, and all-around daily driver. For 2025, you can expect even more safety features to help you remain secure and confident as you’re cruising down Route 25. Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking comes to the rescue, reducing your risk of a collision when navigating through a busy intersection. You’ll also find available Reverse Automatic Braking, which brakes for you when it senses an obstacle behind you, making it easy to back out of a parking spot at Kroger without worry. Available HD Surround Vision is also there to help you see more clearly around your vehicle, making any type of travel scenario safer, whether you’re maneuvering through a parking lot, venturing to the woods, or managing dense traffic on Dixie Highway. From lane departure alerts to various camera views, the 2025 Equinox is loaded with features to help enhance safety on board. This makes it a favorite for those traveling with youngsters, as well as those frequently traveling to Covington Airport for work trips. Through Chevy Safety Assist, you’ll have access to a suite of advanced features designed to protect you on the road. By adding in some of the available options, including a Rear Camera Mirror and Side Bicyclist Alert, you’re able to have ultimate assurance that your ride is as safe as possible. A Tech-Savvy Interior Whether you’re on your way to work at P&G and need to jump on a conference call from the road or attempting to keep your little ones occupied while running errands around town, the 2025 Equinox is ready to help out. You can expect a large 11.3-inch diagonal digital touchscreen, which comes standard across the board, making it easy to remain connected during your travels. Through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as available wireless charging capabilities, you’ll maintain an organized cabin, as well as have access to your phone without taking your eyes off the road. Google built-in allows you to stream your favorite music, TV shows for the kiddos, or access maps in unfamiliar areas, all with the sound of your voice, bringing a level of convenience to the Equinox. From keeping your kids distracted while you run errands in Erlanger to staying up to date on your day while you’re traveling, the Equinox makes innovation a priority, which goes a long way for busy Florence drivers. Cleverly Accommodating You may be loading up with groceries or taking the family out of town to Lexington for the weekend, needing room for luggage. This makes the all-new Equinox ideal for those traveling with more gear. Offering 63.5 cu.ft. for all of your cargo, the Equinox does a fantastic job of accommodating what’s joining you for the ride. With a folding 60/40 split-bench seat and hidden storage under the cargo floor, you’re able to find a place for all of your belongings without issue. The Equinox also offers a pass-through center console that not only takes up less space inside but also acts as a storage solution for valuables, like wallets, phones, cash, and more. Opt for a model with roof rails to secure more gear on top of your vehicle. With an available hands-free AutoSense Power Liftgate, you’ll be able to load your vehicle even when your hands are full, which is highly appreciated by busy parents juggling backpacks, diaper bags, stuffed animals, and more. If you find yourself needing a vehicle that’s convenient and accommodating, the all-new Equinox is a winner. Cruise the City in Style With the Stunning RS Trim Perhaps you’re a frequent city traveler, making your way into Cincy for work and meeting friends downtown for dinner afterward. If you want to travel in a vehicle as chic as your lifestyle, opting for the RS trim will deliver the style you require. This fan-favorite trim has been revitalized for 2025, featuring designer details inside and out to really turn heads wherever you go. From exclusive black badging and an available black two-tone roof to Torch Red and Santorini Blue interior stitching and debossed front head restraints, the RS is as eye-catching as ever. You’ll also find a flat-bottom steering wheel and heated front seats to make the most of your journey, even if you’re just sitting in rush hour traffic on your way home to Crestview Hills. The Ideal SUV for Florence So, is the Chevy Equinox right for Florence drivers? We think so! Its RS trim is ideal for Cincinnati city dwellers, while its advanced safety features make it easy to navigate through dense traffic and work your way safely into streetside parking spaces with ease. Those traveling with more people and gear can also benefit from driving an Equinox, with its impressive cargo solutions. When it comes to keeping your passengers entertained and connected on the road, there are a slew of tech features. Plus, if you have adventure in mind, the all-new ACTIV trim will deliver the satisfaction you crave as you make your way to new destinations with confidence. There’s no better compact SUV for area drivers than the Equinox, especially when you want a vehicle that’s safe, reliable, and affordable, which is why you see so many of these Chevy superstars cruising past you on I-275. Posted in Chevy Dealer Near Florence

Equinox

Five Reasons to Choose the Equinox as Your First Car

Whether you’re a parent looking for a safe and reliable car for your teen driver, or you’re on the hunt for your very own car to get you to your new job, the Chevy Equinox is one of the best picks in the industry. This compact SUV isn’t just versatile and appealing to new drivers, small families, daily commuters, and others; it’s also dependable, safe, and loaded with features to make the most of your time driving down Route 42. If you’re searching for a Chevy Equinox for sale near Florence, Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick of Georgetown has a selection that won’t disappoint. So, what makes the Equinox a great first car? Here are some of the top reasons you’ll want to consider this Chevy best-seller for all of your travel endeavors. #1. Impressive Handling and Efficiency Compact SUVs are easy to handle, making them ideal first cars, especially for those perfecting their skills behind the wheel. They’re also outstanding for college students and those just entering the workforce, especially if you have a hectic commute into Cincinnati each morning. The Equinox is effortless to handle and responsive on the road, which adds incredible peace of mind to worrying parents when their teen leaves the house with car keys in hand. Its steering is accurate, and it’s easy to navigate the twists and turns of the road. Plus, with a 1.5L turbocharged engine underneath the hood, your drive around Boone County will be lively and dramatic, making even those mundane trips to the office more enjoyable. In addition to being a favorable size, especially for those used to driving a sedan, the Equinox is impressively efficient. Its spirited engine is able to power forward with 175 hp, getting up to 31 MPG on the highway. This makes it easy to sit back and relax while stuck in traffic on I-71, knowing that frequent trips to the gas station won’t happen with the Equinox. When it comes to a vehicle that’s sturdy on the road and undeniably fuel efficient, the Equinox is it, making it a top choice for those searching for their first car–one that they can count on to deliver a confident ride. #2. Highly Affordable No matter if you’re a parent searching for a cheap yet dependable car for their new driver or a student at Xavier looking to get to class in a vehicle that won’t break the bank, the Equinox appeals to virtually any budget. Its affordable price tag makes it a surefire winner for cost-conscious buyers, and when it comes to being able to rely on this reasonably priced traveler, the Equinox makes it easy. With new models showcasing a starting price of $26,600 and plenty of used models available with even lower sticker prices, it’s no wonder why so many drivers are choosing the Equinox for their first car. #3. Impeccably Safe Knowing that your teen is safe as they drive to Boone County High every day is a number one priority for parents, and if they’re riding in the Equinox, you won’t have to worry. With an arsenal of advanced safety tech, you can enjoy ample peace of mind that the Equinox has you protected on the road. Standard Teen Driver technology makes it easy to help the new driver in your family perfect their skills behind the wheel. With the ability to set seat belt reminders and music level limits, as well as being provided with a report card, you can ensure that your teen is staying safe on their way to Florence Mall, Cinemark, or anywhere else they choose. If you’re a daily commuter, knowing that you have some extra help on the road makes it easy to trust in the Equinox to assist you with navigating packed city streets and open expanses of highway. From a Lane Keep Assist to Front Pedestrian Braking, the Equinox showcases a wonderful assortment of standard safety features to enhance confidence on board. You’ll also get additional features, depending on the trim you select, to add more value to your travels, including Front and Rear Park Assist, which comes in handy when you’re trying to park on busy Cincinnati streets. In addition, the Equinox can be armed with switchable AWD capabilities to help you navigate slick roadways in winter or uneven environments with ease. #4. A Comfortable and Spacious Cabin Perhaps you’re on your way to the office and need room for work materials, or you’re a student who has to shuttle their teammates to practice or load up with sports gear regularly. No matter what, the Equinox can handle it, and don’t let its compact size fool you–it’s ready for anything. Inside its practical cabin, you can expect to find cozy appointments to help you sit back and relax during your morning commute. Choosing one of its higher-level trims will allow you to enjoy leather-appointed seating, a panoramic sunroof, and premium features to enhance the journey. With up to 63.9 cu.ft. of space in its cargo hold, traveling with sports equipment, luggage, or anything else is easy for the Equinox. You’ll even get to take advantage of a folding 60/40 split-bench seat in the second row to accommodate more cargo, plus hidden storage under the cargo floor for even more items, providing you with the space you require to remain organized in transit. The compact Equinox showcases a nice amount of space for you, your carpool buddies, fellow students, and anyone else joining you for the ride, as well as anything that happens to be joining them–all without compromising their comfort on the way to the destination. #5. Top-Tier Reliability The Equinox is a Chevy through and through, which means you can count on it to offer top-notch dependability, no matter what your Florence travels entail. In fact, the Equinox is considered “America’s #1 Compact SUV for New-Vehicle Quality and Long-Term Dependability,” according to J.D. Power. It’s able to offer a safe and confident ride, regardless of the road condition beneath its tires, and when it comes to safety, this compact SUV offers a suite of features that’s impressive, helpful, and able to provide parents with the peace of mind they need while their teen is behind the wheel. This level of reliability also works for those starting their first job or heading to class, as they can feel confident that they’ll be able to get where they need to go without issue, making the Equinox a top choice as a first car. The Chevy Equinox Is the Perfect Vehicle for First-Time Car Owners When it comes to your travels, whether you’re meeting friends at Turfway Park or heading to Erlanger for work, it matters what vehicle you choose to trust for all of your journeys. Fortunately, the Equinox is a fabulous choice for a first vehicle, not only because of its reasonable price but also because of its superior safety features, incredible reputation, and effortless handling, making it easy to see why so many Florence drivers choose the Equinox when they’re looking for an all-around phenomenal ride. If you’re looking to enhance your travel experience around the area, the Equinox will surely deliver the experience you need, no matter where the road leads you. That’s why, if you’re looking for a first car and you want to trust that it will be easy to drive, efficient, safe, and reliable, the Equinox is an absolute winner in all categories and perfect for a variety of drivers. Come in today and see the many ways the Equinox can enhance your daily drive throughout Florence and beyond. MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.

Chevy Trailblazer

What’s New for the 2024 Chevy Trailblazer?

The Trailblazer is a stylish and affordable subcompact SUV that has been winning over drivers since its latest incarnation launched for the 2021 model year. For 2024, some exciting new changes make this model even more attractive, safe, and convenient. As your Chevy dealer near Covington, we here at Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick Of Georgetown make a point of keeping up with the latest news so we can pass it on to you and help you make informed decisions about your next vehicle. Today, we’re going to take a look at what makes the 2024 Trailblazer different from the 2023 model and how those new features can affect your experience behind the wheel. Meet the 2024 Chevy Trailblazer Before we get into the upgrades for the 2024 model year, let’s start with a quick overview of what the Trailblazer has to offer. The SUV’s small size makes it easy to maneuver on tight city streets and park in crowded areas, so it’s great for getting around Covington and for day trips to Cincinnati. But while it’s tiny on the outside, there’s a surprising amount of space to work with in the cabin. The Trailblazer can comfortably seat five with all of the seats up, but four of those seats can fold flat for easy cargo storage. All trims come standard with a fold-flat rear seat with a 60/40 split and a fold-flat front passenger seat to help accommodate longer items. Available all-wheel drive helps you drive with confidence when the weather gets rough, while standard front-wheel drive offers above-average fuel economy: up to 33 MPG on the highway. The Trailblazer is available in four trim levels. The LS is the most affordable option, and while it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles you’ll find on top-tier models, it does have plenty to offer, including a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance tech and infotainment features like standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and an available Wi-Fi hotspot. Upgrade to the LT to get extra style, like more body-color accents, and more standard features like roof rails for added storage possibilities, heated sideview mirrors to keep frost at bay, and deep-tinted rear window glass for privacy. The RS and ACTIV are both top-tier trims and have a lot in common. In addition to the same starting price, they also both have a 155-horsepower engine that’s more powerful than the base 137-horsepower option, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver seat, and an available contrasting roof color, but they each have a distinct personality. The RS is the sporty model that’s focused on on-road performance and has race car-inspired touches, while the ACTIV is adventurous and great for traveling around rural Kentucky, with off-road suspension tuning and a functional skid plate ready to help you tackle the road less traveled. Standard Tech Gets an Upgrade The 2023 Trailblazer comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, while some higher trims feature an 8-inch screen. For 2024, not only do all trims come standard with the same screen, but it’s getting supersized up to an 11-inch display. That doesn’t just make on-screen buttons larger and easier to work with—it also makes camera views easier to see so you can stay aware of your surroundings. To that end, Chevy is also making an HD Rear Vision Camera standard across the lineup, so you have a crystal-clear view of what’s behind you when you’re backing up. The central display pairs with an 8-inch Driver Information Center behind the wheel. Between the two screens, you’ll have easy access at a glance to important driver assistance warnings, which can help keep you safe when driving on I-75. You’ll also be able to choose your playlist, switch to a podcast, take a phone call, or use voice commands so you can stay entertained and connected whether you’re cruising around Covington or heading out of town. Convenience features can bump a vehicle up from good to great, making your experience a little bit easier every time you head out for a ride. Chevy knows this and has made two convenient features standard across all trim levels on the 2024 Trailblazer. Cruise Control lets you drive at a set speed with your foot off the accelerator, so you can head out on the open road for long drives without getting a cramp in your ankle. Remote Start lets you unlock your SUV and start the ignition without ever taking the key fob out of your pocket or bag, so you never have to dig it out and can get going that much sooner. Refreshed Exterior Style Covington is a city full of individuals who aren’t afraid to stand out in a crowd. If you want your vehicle to reflect your personal sense of style, you’ll love all of the new aspects of the Trailblazer’s look. At a glance, you can see that the shape of the front fascia and exterior lighting are different—more sleek and modern. There are also two new paint options: Copper Harbor Metallic and Cacti Green. These unique shades fit in nicely among showstoppers like Nitro Yellow Metallic and Fountain Blue, giving you plenty of bold colors to choose from. What’s fun about the other styling changes is that they aren’t the same across the board. The new grille and wheel designs vary from trim to trim, so you can blaze your own trail instead of looking the same as every other model on the road. The LS and LT have a simple grille design with the classic metallic Chevy bowtie emblem; the LS pairs this with black fascia, while the LT gets silver-painted instead. The RS and ACTIV each get their own uniquely designed high-gloss black mesh grilles paired with black bow ties. The ACTIV has titanium chrome-plated fascia that matches the titanium chrome accents worked into the grille. The RS has a dark chrome grille bar that goes well with its black fascia. Each trim gets a unique wheel design with an eye-catching geometric pattern, and the RS has exclusive 19-inch wheels that are larger than the 17-inch ones found on other trims. Get Behind the Wheel of the New Trailblazer Now With its unique blend of capability, efficiency, utility, and flair, the Trailblazer was already a great vehicle for getting around Covington and traveling beyond for longer road trips. The new touches added for the 2024 model are just the cherry on top, giving you an even more stylish exterior and a better lineup of tech in the cabin, both in top-tier trims and in affordable entry-level models. Whether you want to stick with the basic LS, splurge on the RS or ACTIV, or find a happy compromise in the LT, the Trailblazer has more to offer than ever before. If you want to check out this updated SUV for yourself, head south and visit us here at Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick Of Georgetown. Drivers throughout northern Kentucky trust us for their automotive needs because we’re committed to providing quality vehicles and outstanding customer service. When you come by for a test drive, you’ll be able to see the new Trailblazer up close and in person, meet our friendly team, and get all of your questions answered. We can’t wait to help you find exactly the model you’re looking for.