Can I use unleaded 88 in my Honda Fit?
You should not use unleaded 88 (E15) in a Honda Fit. Use regular unleaded gasoline that matches the octane specification in your owner's manual—typically 87 AKI with up to 10% ethanol (E10). Unleaded 88 is not approved for most Honda Fits and could affect performance, fuel-system components, and warranty coverage.
Understanding fuel compatibility for the Honda Fit
These guidelines cover the general fuel recommendations you’ll find in owner manuals and official Honda resources. Always verify for your exact year and market.
- Most Honda Fits are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 AKI (or 87 RON in some markets) and up to 10% ethanol (E10).
- Unleaded 88 (E15) contains up to 15% ethanol and is not generally approved for non-flex-fuel Honda Fits.
- Using E15 can cause performance issues, fuel-system deposits, corrosion, and may void warranties if it is not approved for your vehicle by Honda.
- Fuel availability and labeling vary by country, so always check your manual or the fuel-door label for the exact guidance for your car.
In practice, stick to the manual’s recommendation and avoid E15 unless Honda explicitly approves it for your year and market. If your manual indicates E10 or lower is acceptable, you can use E10 without issue.
How to verify compatibility for your exact vehicle
To be certain about your specific year and market, follow these steps before filling up:
- Check the owner's manual section on Fuel and Fluids for the approved octane and ethanol content.
- Inspect the fuel-filler door label, which often lists the recommended octane and ethanol limits for your exact car.
- Contact a Honda dealer or Honda customer support with your VIN to confirm approved fuels for your vehicle.
- Be aware of E15 labeling at pumps; if the station only advertises E15 and your manual does not approve it, do not use it.
By confirming these details, you can ensure you’re using a fuel that maintains performance and warranty coverage.
If you’ve accidentally fueled with E15
If you accidentally fueled with E15, do not start or run the engine for an extended period. If you’ve already started, stop as soon as it’s safe, and contact your dealer or roadside assistance for guidance on how to proceed with the fuel in your tank to minimize potential damage.
Summary
For most Honda Fits, unleaded 88 (E15) is not approved. Use regular unleaded gasoline that meets the octane rating in your manual, typically 87 AKI with up to 10% ethanol (E10). Always confirm with your owner’s manual, the fuel-label on the car, or a Honda representative for your exact year and market to avoid warranty issues or engine problems.
Can I put unleaded 88 in my Honda?
Can I use Unleaded 88 in my vehicle? 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.
What type of gas does a Honda Fit take?
Recommended Fuel for Honda Vehicles
Most Honda models are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. This fuel type contains no more than 10% ethanol, also known as E10.
What happens if you put unleaded 88 instead of 87?
Some car owners should steer away from using it, even though it can be cheaper than the standard 87 octane fuel that is 10 percent ethanol.The 88 octane should have no effect if you happened to fill you tank with it once, but prolonged use by a car not equipped for it can cause an engine to wear out faster.
What cars should not use unleaded 88?
EPA did not approve the use of Unleaded 88 in 2000 and older model vehicles. This was primarily due to the fact that these older vehicles have a number of variables – mileage, state of repair, types of use – that would result in inconclusive test data.
