Can I put 88 gas in my Subaru Ascent?
As a Subaru Ascent owner, you may have wondered whether using 88-octane gasoline is suitable for your vehicle. This question often arises when drivers encounter different fuel options at the pump, especially when 88 gas is marketed as a cost-effective alternative. In this article, we’ll explore whether 88 gas is compatible with your Subaru Ascent and what you should consider before filling up.
Understanding Your Subaru Ascent's Fuel Requirements
The Subaru Ascent is equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, which is designed to deliver both power and efficiency. According to Subaru's official recommendations, the Ascent requires regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. This means that 88-octane gas, often referred to as "E15" because it contains 15% ethanol, technically meets the minimum octane requirement for the vehicle.
What Is 88 Gas (E15)?
Before deciding to use 88 gas, it’s important to understand what it is. Here are the key characteristics of 88 gas:
- It has an octane rating of 88, slightly higher than regular 87-octane fuel.
- It contains 15% ethanol, compared to the 10% ethanol found in most regular gasoline blends.
- It is often marketed as a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective fuel option.
Is 88 Gas Safe for Your Subaru Ascent?
While 88 gas meets the octane requirements for the Subaru Ascent, there are a few factors to consider:
- Ethanol Content: The higher ethanol content in 88 gas can affect fuel system components over time, especially in vehicles not explicitly designed for E15 fuel. Subaru does not officially endorse the use of E15 in its vehicles, which means using it could potentially void your warranty.
- Manufacturer Recommendations: Subaru recommends using gasoline with no more than 10% ethanol (E10). Sticking to this guideline ensures optimal engine performance and longevity.
- Potential Risks: Prolonged use of E15 fuel may lead to issues such as reduced fuel efficiency, increased engine wear, or damage to fuel system components.
Our Recommendation
At Kevin's Autos, we always advise following the manufacturer’s fuel recommendations to avoid unnecessary risks. While 88 gas may seem like a convenient and cost-effective option, it’s best to stick with regular 87-octane gasoline that contains no more than 10% ethanol. This ensures your Subaru Ascent continues to perform reliably and avoids potential warranty complications.
Final Thoughts
In summary, while 88 gas technically meets the octane requirements for the Subaru Ascent, its higher ethanol content makes it less than ideal for long-term use. When in doubt, always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual or consult with a trusted auto service professional. At Kevin's Autos, we’re here to help with all your car maintenance and repair needs. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions about your vehicle’s fuel requirements or performance!
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I accidentally put E15 in my car?
E15, often sold at the pump as Unleaded 88, for its octane rating, can safely be used in all cars, trucks and SUVs from 2001 on. Those model years represent more than 90% of vehicles on U.S. roads. The ethanol industry says the fuel is one of the most tested in history and has no effect on vehicle drivability.
What is the downside of unleaded 88?
The negatives of E88 is include lower mileage, ethanol has lower energy content than gasoline.. It is not recommended for any vehicle built before 2001 because it attacks seals and gaskets, potentially causing expensive repairs. It is not recommended for vehicles used rarely, it degrades is left in the tank too long.
What is the best fuel for Subaru Ascent?
regular 87-octane fuel
For the majority of Subaru models, such as the Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent, regular 87-octane fuel is perfectly adequate. These vehicles are designed to run efficiently on regular fuel, providing a good balance of performance, fuel economy, and cost savings.
Can Subaru Ascent use E85?
FA24F in the Ascent requires a tune to safely/properly run e85. Safely, e15 is the highest you can go (eg: Sheetz 88 octane e15), and octane must be 87 or above for normal driving and for towing needs to be 91 or higher for 2023+.
Can Subaru use 88 octane gas?
General Motors recommends use of Unleaded 88 beginning with its 2012 model year vehicles and Ford recommends Unleaded 88 for its 2013 and newer vehicles. Unleaded 88 is also approved for use by Volkswagen, Audi, Toyota, Land Rover, Porsche, Jaguar, Honda, Subaru, and certain models of Mercedes-Benz and Lexus.
Why is 88 gas so cheap?
Unleaded 88 is usually noticeably cheaper than traditional gasoline because ethanol is a less expensive fuel source than crude oil. And, because up to 15% of Unleaded 88 is made of the biofuel ethanol, it uses less crude oil per gallon than traditional gasoline.
Can I put unleaded 88 in my gas tank?
Yes, it is safe and approved for use on the vast majority of modern vehicles (2001 and newer). In fact, Unleaded 88 can boost horsepower and enhance your engine's performance.
What happens if I use 88 instead of 87?
Vehicles that are not listed as being able to run 88-octane could see long-term engine damage including a higher likelihood of seeing fluids leaking. Engines not equipped with newer equipment to handle 88-octane could potentially overheat.
What fuel does Subaru recommend?
87 octane
With the exception of performance vehicles, all other Subaru models are designed to run on 87 octane. Over the course of 15,000 miles per year, using regular 87 octane in a Subaru that doesn't require a higher level can save you hundreds in additional fuel costs.
Can I mix 88 and 93 gas?
You can absolutely mix octanes, and they mix linearly. So, if you could fill half your tank with 89 and the other half with 93, you'll end up with a tank of exactly 91-octane.
