The difference is that one is a mechanic. And she certainly seems to know what she’s talking about. The other has a degree in physics. She claims to have doctorates in engineering and energy. And she’s also the president of Mexico.
After Claudia Sheinbaum uttered the now-famous “fill up with regular” and it went viral, a social media mechanic did what no one in the speech did: explain why that can be so expensive.
It’s not about “expensive vs. cheap,” but about how your car’s engine works.
A creator known as “Mamá Mecanic” explained it with something basic: the piston.
That thing that moves up and down inside the engine, mixing air with gasoline to generate the explosion that powers your car.
And this is where the detail that many ignore lies: The difference between regular (magna) and premium (red) gasoline is NOT that one is “better,” but rather the octane rating.
It’s the octane rating that defines something key: how well the gasoline withstands pressure before exploding.
Now imagine this: Your engine is designed for combustion to occur at a precise moment, but if your car requires premium fuel and you put in regular:
The gasoline can explode prematurely.
The piston is still moving upwards.
Instead of thrust, it receives a backlash.
And that’s where the problem begins: knocking, loss of power, the check engine light comes on, and silent internal wear. What seemed like a saving ends up costing more.
Because no, not all engines are made to run on regular. If your car requires premium, it’s not a luxury or a whim; it’s engineering… now you understand?
Premium gasoline isn’t exclusive to “luxury” cars; it’s for engines designed to work with higher compression. And that includes many quite ordinary cars you see every day. Giving general recommendations sounds practical, but when it comes to engines, the details matter. Because a viral phrase isn’t going to pay for your engine repair.
In matters like these, it’s not about who said it, it’s about how accurate it is, and when the basic mechanics contradict the simplistic explanation, perhaps what we need isn’t simplification, but a deeper understanding.
Mexico 🇲🇽 Wake up
Source: bahiatimes
