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Can I use unleaded 88 in a Chevy Cruze?

The short answer is that it is generally not recommended to use unleaded 88 fuel in a Chevy Cruze. The Cruze is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline, which has an octane rating of 87. Using a higher octane fuel like unleaded 88 (which has an octane rating of 88) may not provide any additional benefits and could potentially cause issues with the engine.


Understanding Fuel Octane Ratings


Octane ratings are a measure of a fuel's resistance to premature ignition, also known as "knocking" or "pinging." Higher-octane fuels like premium (91-93 octane) and unleaded 88 (88 octane) are less prone to knocking than regular unleaded (87 octane). Most modern engines are designed to run on regular unleaded, which is the minimum octane rating recommended by the manufacturer.


Using a higher-octane fuel than what is recommended for your vehicle's engine won't necessarily improve performance or fuel economy. In fact, it could potentially cause issues if the engine is not designed to handle the increased octane level.


Chevy Cruze Fuel Recommendations



  • The Chevy Cruze owner's manual specifies that the vehicle requires regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87.

  • Using a higher-octane fuel like unleaded 88 may not provide any additional benefits and could potentially cause problems with the engine, such as increased emissions, reduced fuel economy, and even engine damage over time.

  • Chevy recommends against using any fuel with an octane rating lower than 87, as this could also lead to engine knocking and other issues.


In summary, it is generally not recommended to use unleaded 88 fuel in a Chevy Cruze. Stick to the manufacturer's recommended regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87 to ensure the best performance and longevity for your vehicle's engine.

What cars can take unleaded 88?


Unleaded 88 can be used in all 2001 & newer cars, trucks and SUVs. These model years represent more than 90% of vehicles on the road today. It's the most tested fuel in history and has no effect on vehicle drivability.



Can I put 88 gas in my Chevy Cruze?


The U.S. EPA says Unleaded 88 can be used in vehicles that are newer than 2001. It should be noted that auto manufactures of some higher-end vehicles recommend only using mid range and premium gas.



Is it OK to use unleaded 88 instead of 87?


In 6 million miles of testing, the U.S. Department of Energy found no problems with the use of Unleaded 88 in the numerous vehicles selected.



What kind of gas goes in a Chevy Cruze?


regular unleaded fuel
Your engine is designed to use regular unleaded fuel with an 87 rating. But you may notice better performance with higher rated premium fuel. 2016 chevy cruze 1.4 active mis on cyl #1 no mis under loadMy chevy cruz is a 2012 1.8l 2011 Chevy Cruze, Has a code po ...


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.