Can I put E85 in my Dodge Durango?
The short answer is no, you should not put E85 fuel in a Dodge Durango that is not specifically designed to run on it. E85 is a high-ethanol blend fuel that is not compatible with most standard gasoline-powered vehicles, including the Dodge Durango. Using E85 in a vehicle not designed for it can cause significant damage to the engine and fuel system.
What is E85 Fuel?
E85 is a fuel blend that contains up to 85% ethanol and only 15% gasoline. It is primarily used in flex-fuel vehicles, which are designed to run on either standard gasoline or E85. Ethanol has a lower energy density than gasoline, so E85 provides less fuel efficiency than regular gasoline.
Compatibility with the Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango is a standard gasoline-powered SUV, not a flex-fuel vehicle. Its engine and fuel system components are not designed to handle the higher ethanol content of E85 fuel. Using E85 in a Durango can lead to a variety of problems, including:
- Reduced fuel efficiency: The higher ethanol content of E85 means you'll get fewer miles per gallon compared to regular gasoline.
- Damage to fuel system components: The ethanol in E85 can corrode and degrade rubber and plastic parts in the fuel system, leading to leaks and breakdowns.
- Decreased engine performance: The lower energy density of E85 can cause the engine to run less efficiently, resulting in reduced power and acceleration.
- Potential engine damage: In extreme cases, the use of E85 in a non-flex-fuel vehicle can cause serious engine damage, such as cylinder scoring or piston seizure.
To avoid these issues, it's crucial to only use the fuel recommended by the Dodge Durango's manufacturer, which is standard gasoline with no more than 10% ethanol (E10).
Conclusion
In summary, you should not put E85 fuel in a Dodge Durango, as it is not designed to run on that high-ethanol blend. Doing so can lead to a variety of problems, including reduced fuel efficiency, damage to the fuel system, and potential engine damage. Always refer to your Durango's owner's manual and use the recommended fuel type to ensure the proper operation and longevity of your vehicle.
How to tell if your vehicle is E85 compatible?
You can tell if your car can use E85 by checking for a "Flex Fuel" or "FFV" badge, a yellow gas cap, or an "E85" label inside the fuel door. Other indicators include the owner's manual, a VIN lookup, or using online search tools from official sources. It is crucial to only use E85 in a vehicle explicitly designed for it, as using it in a regular gasoline car can cause engine damage.
Visual and physical checks
- Gas cap: Look for a yellow gas cap, which is a common sign. It may also have a label indicating "E85" or "Flex Fuel".
- Fuel door: Check the inside of the fuel filler door for labels that mention "Flex Fuel" or "E85".
- Vehicle badging: Look for badges on the rear of the vehicle that say "Flex Fuel," "FFV," or "E85".
Document and information checks
- Owner's manual: The easiest and most reliable method is to check your vehicle's owner's manual. It will list the approved fuel types.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): You can use your VIN to look up your car's specifications online. Many manufacturer websites have tools to check VINs for flex-fuel compatibility.
- Online tools: Use online search tools like the ones provided by the Fuel Freedom Foundation or FuelEconomy.gov and enter your car's make, model, and year to check for compatibility.
Important considerations
- Engine damage: Never put E85 in a car that is not flex-fuel compatible. Doing so can cause significant engine damage and may void your warranty.
- Fuel economy: Even in flex-fuel vehicles, using E85 typically results in lower fuel economy compared to gasoline.
Can a Dodge Durango use E85?
The patented ProFlex™ Commander adaptive flex fuel system for 2010-present Dodge Durango with 3.6L Pentastar V6 allows you to start making more power and running cooler with E85. True plug and play flex-fuel for your V6 Durango in about an hour with no tuning required.
What fuel does a Dodge Durango take?
The type of fuel a Dodge Durango needs depends on its engine, with most models accepting regular unleaded (87 octane) gasoline, while the supercharged 6.2L V8 (SRT models) require premium (91 octane). Some engines, like the 5.7L HEMI, can run on regular (87) but recommend mid-grade (89) for optimal performance.
- 3.6L Pentastar V6: Use regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane).
- 5.7L HEMI V8: Use unleaded gasoline. Regular (87 octane) is acceptable, but mid-grade (89 octane) is recommended for best performance.
- 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 (SRT): Must use premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane).
- Older models: Some older models (e.g., 2004, 2011) were flex-fuel and could use unleaded or E85.
Always check your owner's manual for the specific fuel requirement for your vehicle's model year and engine.
What happens if you put E85 gas in a regular car?
Continually filling a standard gasoline car with this high-ethanol fuel can result in serious fuel system corrosion. Plus, when you accidentally put E85 fuel in a car, it may void your engine warranty. That means you could be on the hook for the repairs, even if your car is brand new.
