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Can I use unleaded 88 in my Chevy Traverse?

The short answer is that it depends on the specific requirements for your Chevy Traverse. While some vehicles can use unleaded 88 fuel, it's important to check your owner's manual or consult with your vehicle manufacturer to ensure it's compatible with your model.


Understanding Unleaded 88 Fuel


Unleaded 88 is a type of gasoline that contains up to 15% ethanol, which is a higher ethanol content than the more common E10 (10% ethanol) fuel. Unleaded 88 is approved for use in vehicles that are model year 2001 or newer and have a Flex Fuel designation, which means they can handle higher ethanol blends.


Checking Your Chevy Traverse's Fuel Requirements


To determine if you can use unleaded 88 in your Chevy Traverse, you'll need to consult your owner's manual or contact Chevrolet directly. The Traverse is a mid-size SUV, and Chevrolet's recommendations may vary depending on the model year and engine configuration of your specific vehicle.


Some key things to consider:


  • Older Chevy Traverse models may have engine components that are not compatible with the higher ethanol content in unleaded 88 fuel.

  • Newer Traverse models may be able to use unleaded 88, but you should still verify this with Chevrolet or in your owner's manual.

  • Using the wrong fuel type can potentially damage your engine, so it's important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations.


If your Chevy Traverse is approved for unleaded 88 fuel, you may be able to take advantage of the potentially lower cost compared to regular unleaded gasoline. However, it's crucial to ensure your vehicle is compatible before making the switch.

Can you mix E15 and regular gas?


Yes, you can.



What happens if you put 89 instead of 87?


If your vehicle doesn't require premium gasoline, 89-octane will work just fine. However, you might see no difference in performance since the octane rating of 89 is close to the 87-octane rating.



Is 87 or 89 gas better for your car?


The primary consideration is whether your car requires premium gasoline. If it does, you should use 87-octane only in an emergency. Otherwise, you risk hurting your engine. If your vehicle doesn't require premium gasoline, 89-octane will work just fine.



Can I use unleaded 88 in my SUV?


Unleaded 88 has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in all 2001 and newer cars, trucks and SUVs.



Is it OK to use unleaded 88 instead of 87?


According to experts, unleaded 88 gets slightly lower gas mileage than regular unleaded and gives off fewer carbon emissions, but the differences are minor. Experts say it is worth using if the price is low enough.



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.



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.



Do you get worse gas mileage with E88?


How different depends on who you ask. Fueleconomy.gov, which is run by U.S. Department of Energy, says unleaded 88/E15 will get 3% to 4% less miles per gallon than regular unleaded 87 gasoline.



Does the E15 lower gas mileage?


Gasoline containing 15% ethanol (E15) has been shown to be safe for use in vehicles 2001 model year or newer. AAA research has shown that E15 will result in a 2% decrease in fuel economy and a resulting increase in emissions.



What kind of gas should you put in a Chevy Traverse?


The 2024 Chevy Traverse does not require premium gas to run. Chevrolet recommends that you use regular gasoline for this model. If you're choosing among numerous gas grades at the fuel pump, you can stick with regular octanes like 87.


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.