In theory, refueling your vehicle is very easy. You pull up to the gas station, pop open your fuel cap, insert your credit card, and fill up. Sound simple enough, right?

But then you pull up to the gas station and see that there are a lot of different gas options, each with a different name and a different price. If you're like most people, you just choose the cheapest option. But is another option actually better for your car?

Read on to easily determine what fuel you should be putting in your car at the gas station.

RECOMMENDED

Haven’t shopped for insurance in the last six months? There might be hundreds $$$ in savings waiting for you.

Judith switched to Progressive

Saved $725 annually

Alexander switched to Travelers

Saved $834 annually

Annie switched to Nationwide

Saved $668 annually

Should I use diesel or gasoline?

While diesel is far less common than gasoline, diesel vehicles often get terrific gas mileage. And, at many gas stations, diesel fuel is cheaper than gasoline. As a result, a lot of people wonder whether they can put diesel fuel in their car.

Unless you have a diesel vehicle, the answer is no. Gas cars cannot run on diesel, and diesel vehicles cannot run on gasoline. In fact, it could be dangerous to use the

wrong type of fuel in your car

Tip: If you’re not sure whether your vehicle requires diesel or gasoline, you can usually find that information on the inside of your gas cap. If it’s not there, it will either be on the information plate on the inside of the driver’s door panel or in your

owner’s manual

MORE:

How to save money on gas

What grade fuel should I use?

If you have a diesel fuel vehicle, the answer to this question is simple. Most gas stations only carry one grade of diesel fuel, and that will work just fine for your vehicle.

If your vehicle runs on gasoline, then you have three options at the gas station: Regular, mid-grade, and premium. You can choose any of the three options and your car will still run.

However, it's suggested that you use premium fuel for some vehicles. Once again, you can consult the inside of your gas cap, the information plate on the driver’s door panel, or the owner’s manual for this information.

If your vehicle says "premium gasoline required," then you should always use premium fuel. Your car will still safely run on regular or mid-grade, so don’t worry about using those in a pinch, but you’ll experience better efficiency and performance with premium.

If your vehicle says "premium gasoline recommended," then it’s less important to use premium. However, you will experience better performance if you opt for the premium gasoline.

The best gas for your car based on driving behavior

Contrary to popular belief, fuel grade primarily impacts vehicle performance, not health. If you want to get the most performance out of your sports car, for instance, you should use premium fuel, or at least mid-grade.

If you only use your car for commuting, and you don’t care too much about the performance, you can go ahead and save money with regular fuel, unless your car states that premium is required.

Furthermore, if you don’t have a performance vehicle like a sports car or

luxury sedan or SUV

, there usually isn’t a reason to purchase premium gasoline.

Choosing the right fuel for your vehicle doesn’t have to be hard. All you have to do is check the information provided by your manufacturer and determine how important your vehicle’s performance is to you. Take those into consideration and you’ll be in great shape at the gas station.

MORE:

How far can you drive on an empty tank of gas?

FAQs

How do I pull into a gas station?

If you're new to driving and just now learning what kind of fuel to get for your car, you might be unfamiliar with how to pull into a gas station. To pull into a gas station, use safe driving practices and know where your gas tank is. There should be an arrow on your fuel indicator pointing right or left. The fuel tank is on that side.

Then, just pull up to a fuel station with your fuel tank facing the pumps, and you're ready to get some gas.