Can I put 87 gas in my Dodge Charger?
As a Dodge Charger owner, you might wonder whether using regular 87-octane gasoline is suitable for your vehicle. This is an important question, as using the wrong fuel can impact your car's performance and longevity. In this article, we’ll explore whether 87 gas is appropriate for your Dodge Charger and what factors you should consider when fueling up.
Understanding Your Dodge Charger’s Fuel Requirements
The type of gasoline you should use in your Dodge Charger depends on the specific model and engine configuration. Dodge Chargers come with a variety of engines, ranging from the standard V6 to high-performance V8 options like the HEMI or Hellcat engines. Each engine has different fuel requirements, which are outlined in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
For most Dodge Charger models equipped with the standard V6 engine, 87-octane regular gasoline is perfectly acceptable. However, if you own a Charger with a high-performance V8 engine, such as the 5.7L HEMI, 6.4L HEMI, or the supercharged 6.2L Hellcat engine, premium gasoline (91-octane or higher) is typically recommended to ensure optimal performance and prevent engine knocking.
Why Octane Ratings Matter
Octane ratings measure a fuel’s ability to resist knocking or pinging during combustion. Higher-performance engines, like those found in some Dodge Charger models, have higher compression ratios and require higher-octane fuel to operate efficiently. Using a lower-octane fuel in these engines can lead to:
- Reduced engine performance
- Increased engine knocking or pinging
- Potential long-term engine damage
On the other hand, using premium fuel in an engine designed for regular gasoline does not provide any additional benefits and is simply an unnecessary expense.
How to Determine the Right Fuel for Your Charger
To ensure you’re using the correct fuel for your Dodge Charger, follow these steps:
- Check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended fuel type.
- Look for a label on the inside of your fuel door, which often specifies the required octane rating.
- If you’re still unsure, consult your local Dodge dealership or a trusted auto repair shop for guidance.
What Happens If You Use the Wrong Fuel?
If you accidentally use 87-octane gasoline in a high-performance Dodge Charger that requires premium fuel, don’t panic. Modern engines are equipped with knock sensors that can adjust timing to prevent damage. However, you may notice reduced performance and efficiency. For long-term use, it’s best to stick to the recommended fuel type to avoid potential issues.
Conclusion
In summary, whether you can use 87 gas in your Dodge Charger depends on your specific engine. For standard V6 models, 87-octane gasoline is typically fine. However, for high-performance V8 engines, premium fuel is recommended to maintain performance and prevent engine damage. Always refer to your owner’s manual or consult a professional if you’re unsure about your vehicle’s fuel requirements. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re here to help with all your car maintenance and repair needs—feel free to reach out for expert advice!
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do if I accidentally put 87 instead of 93?
For some car models, higher octane fuel is recommended instead of required. If that's you, the lower stuff should be sufficient enough to not cause problems. But if you hear knocking and pinging noises, or you're not getting the mileage you should, switch to higher octane gas at your next fill up.
Do Dodge Chargers take 87 gas?
Below is a closer look of the Charger sedan's recommended fuel type: SXT: Regular gas — 87-octane or higher. GT: Regular gas — 87-octane or higher. R/T: Midgrade gas — 89-octane or higher.
What happens if I put unleaded 87 in my car?
If you put lower-octane fuel into your high-octane vehicle, whether by mistake or to save money on gas, you'll probably notice the effects right away: things like poor fuel economy, reduced acceleration, and spark knock, which sounds like a high-pitched pinging or rattling noise.
What happens if you mix 87 and 89?
When it comes to mixing different octane gasoline, it is generally safe to mix 87 and 89 octane gasoline in any proportion without issues. The octane rating measures the fuel's ability to resist knocking or pinging during combustion, and a higher octane rating means a higher resistance to knocking.
Can you put regular gas in a V6?
for the V6, you just use regular. Some people use premium in it because they say it runs better or better for the car. Because of the computer systems in cars today putting a higher tier gas does little to no effect on a car that uses regular.
Can I put 87 gas in my car instead of 89?
If a manufacturer recommends premium gas, you can still use 87-octane, but it might cause problems to your car's engine. If you want to use regular gas in a premium car, many gas stations sell octane boosters you can pour into the tank, which will prevent any misfires.
What kind of gas does a 3.6 L v6 take?
I finally got to download the 2018 Charger owners manual and the recommended fuel for the 3.6l V-6 is Reg unleaded 87 octane. What I read in the advertised specs must be a misprint.
Will regular gas damage a premium engine?
This will most often come into play if substituting regular for premium leads to significant engine knock or pinging that causes damage to the pistons or other engine components. Aside from those complications, you could also experience a decrease in fuel efficiency and overall engine performance.
Do Dodge Chargers burn gas fast?
The Dodge Charger has a maximum range of more than 425 miles, when combining city and highway mpg. That means you can spend more time out on the road and less time at the pump filling up your gas tank.
Which gas is best for a Dodge Charger?
Dodge Charger with a V8 Engine: Models equipped with the HEMI V8 engines typically recommend premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane) for optimal performance, although they can often run on regular gas as well, but with a potential decrease in power and efficiency.
