Can I use unleaded 88 in my 2013 Dodge Dart?
In short: not recommended. Your 2013 Dodge Dart is not approved for Unleaded 88 (E15). Use regular unleaded gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (E10), as specified in the owner's manual.
What fuel does the 2013 Dodge Dart require?
The 2013 Dodge Dart, across its available engines, is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline with ethanol up to 10 percent. It does not list Unleaded 88 (E15) as an acceptable fuel. Both common engine options for this model—the 2.4L Tigershark and the 1.4L MultiAir Turbo—are rated for 87 octane gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (E10).
The key fuel specs for the Dart are:
- Octane rating: 87 (regular) gasoline.
- Maximum ethanol content: up to 10% (E10).
- Unleaded 88 (E15) is not listed as an approved fuel for this model.
- Using fuels with higher ethanol content or blends not approved by the manufacturer can affect performance and emissions systems.
In practice, this means sticking to regular 87-octane gasoline with up to 10% ethanol to stay within the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Why Unleaded 88 is not recommended for this car
Unleaded 88 is ethanol-blended fuel marketed as E15, which higher-ethanol blends manufacturers generally do not approve for older, non-flex-fuel vehicles like the 2013 Dodge Dart. Using it can pose several risks to the car’s engine and emissions system.
- Engine performance and reliability: The Dart’s engine management is calibrated for E10, and higher ethanol content can alter fuel chemistry in ways the engine isn’t designed to handle.
- Fuel system and seals: Ethanol can be harsher on certain rubber and plastic components not rated for higher ethanol blends.
- Emissions and emissions-control devices: Use of non-approved fuels can affect oxygen sensors, catalytic converters, and other emissions equipment.
- Warranty considerations: Using fuels outside the approved specification could affect warranty coverage related to fuel delivery and emissions systems.
Bottom line: unless the owner’s manual or a dealer explicitly approves E15 for your Dart, avoid Unleaded 88 and stick to the prescribed regular 87 octane with up to E10.
What to do if you’ve already used Unleaded 88
If you accidentally filled with Unleaded 88, take these steps to minimize potential issues and get back to approved fuel as quickly as possible.
- Do not continue to run the engine on E15. Top off with a familiar, approved fuel (87 octane with up to 10% ethanol) as soon as you can.
- Monitor the vehicle for any signs of trouble, such as rough idle, reduced power, knocking, or a check engine light.
- If symptoms appear or you’ve run a significant amount of E15, have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic or your Dodge dealer.
- When in doubt, provide the service advisor with details about the fuel you used so they can determine if a fuel-system cleaning or additional checks are needed.
Taking these steps can help limit potential fuel-system or emissions-related issues and keep the vehicle within its intended operating specifications.
Bottom line and practical guidance
For a 2013 Dodge Dart, use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane with up to 10% ethanol (E10). Unleaded 88 (E15) is not approved for this model and could cause performance, emissions, or warranty concerns. If you have already used E15, switch back to an approved fuel and consult a dealer if you notice any abnormal behavior.
Summary
The 2013 Dodge Dart is designed to run on 87-octane regular gasoline with up to 10% ethanol. Do not use Unleaded 88 (E15) unless explicitly approved by the owner’s manual or a Dodge dealer. If a tank has already been filled with E15, revert to approved fuel and seek professional advice if you observe any drivability or emissions issues. Always verify fuel compatibility in your vehicle’s manual or through a dealership to protect performance and warranty.
