Using 93 octane on a car designed for only 87 certainly wont hurt anything. Since I work at the #5 biggest refinery in the USA, I can tell you that in the QC lab test engines for Octane certification, the premium test engines (SUL) are clean and shiny, while the regular unleaded (RUL) engines tend to get black/brown and skummy (this is raw gas without additive packages). There is no differnce in "commodity grade" gasolines shipped around the USA, as they all meet US Govt. testing standards. The only thing you are getting with "branded stations" is a guaranteed additive package at the pumps -- and that blend of additives is proprietary for each company. All gasonlines are additive packed except for that stuff sold at the off-test stations --where you don't know what your getting (Wizard, RaceTrac etc.). OK to use these on rare occasions but don't make a habit of it. Gas at major Groceries stores is also fine: its major brand stuff sold at a discount due to their purchasing power (Sams Club, WalMart, Costco, Kroger, HEB, etc.).
Some cars even pick up extra HP when you fill with 93 octane (like my wife's Odyssey van). It's nice to have that extra 10 Hp and torque when hauling lots of people/luggage on a holiday packed freeway moving at 80+ mph. Increases mileage too usually.
But it's not really economical to always use 93 Octane at a 20 - 26 cent premium per gallon. Your giving more $$ to the station owner for purely elective reasons.
BUt it's America and you have the freedom to choose 93 Octane and drive a big V8 engine if you like! That's a good thing.
Happy Motoring, we're drivers too.. and predominantly Republicans...
Ghostman.
