Can you put regular gas in a Subaru Crosstrek?
As a proud owner of a Subaru Crosstrek, you may find yourself wondering about the type of fuel that is best for your vehicle. With years of experience in car maintenance and repair, I’m here to clarify whether using regular gas is a viable option for your Crosstrek.
Understanding Fuel Requirements
The Subaru Crosstrek is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. This means that, in most cases, you can safely use regular gas without any adverse effects on your vehicle's performance. However, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind.
Benefits of Using Regular Gas
- Cost-Effective: Regular gas is typically less expensive than premium fuel, allowing you to save money at the pump.
- Manufacturer Recommendations: Subaru specifically states that regular unleaded gasoline is acceptable for the Crosstrek, which means you won't void your warranty by using it.
- Performance: For most driving conditions, regular gas will provide adequate performance and fuel efficiency for your Crosstrek.
When to Consider Premium Gas
While regular gas is suitable for the Crosstrek, there are situations where using premium fuel might be beneficial:
- High-Performance Driving: If you frequently drive in mountainous areas or engage in high-performance driving, premium gas (with an octane rating of 91 or higher) may help prevent engine knocking.
- Engine Maintenance: If your vehicle is older or has experienced engine issues, premium fuel can sometimes help improve performance and efficiency.
Conclusion
In summary, you can confidently use regular gas in your Subaru Crosstrek without worrying about damaging your vehicle. However, consider your driving habits and conditions when deciding whether to stick with regular or occasionally opt for premium fuel. Always refer to your owner’s manual for the most accurate information regarding fuel requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Subaru take regular gas?
If you drive a Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, Legacy or Ascent, your vehicle is designed to run on 87 octane, or regular fuel. Performance Subaru models – the WRX, WRX STI and BRZ – have a premium fuel requirement, but even with those vehicles, check your manual for information on which fuels are appropriate.
Is it okay to mix regular and premium gas?
There's nothing wrong with mixing premium and regular gas in the same tank. In fact, this is how midgrade gas is formulated at the station. Rather than drawing from a separate storage tank for each octane rating, gas pumps actively mix high-octane fuel with lower-octane fuel to create midgrade gas.
What to do if you accidentally put regular gas instead of premium car?
If you put lower octane gas in a car that requires premium, everything will still probably be fine, but you should be concerned about the “probably” part. In older cars, putting a lower octane gas in the tank might cause knocking and pinging and will result in reduced performance.
Can I use regular instead of premium gas?
Should I use regular or premium gas? You should use the type of fuel the vehicle's manufacturer recommends. A vehicle that runs on regular gas will not run any better on premium fuel. Using premium gas in a vehicle designed for premium gas will help the car perform better and avoid damaging the engine with regular gas.
Does the Subaru Crosstrek need premium gas?
Use the Recommended Fuel: As mentioned earlier, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. Avoid using higher-octane fuels, as they will not provide any benefits and may even reduce fuel economy.
Can I put 89 gas in my Subaru?
The Owner's Manual states for WRX and BRZ models: "The engine is designed to operate using unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher." However, fuel with an octane rating of 87 or higher can be used in either model without damaging engine durability.
Which year to avoid a Subaru Crosstrek?
Of all the Subaru Crosstrek years to avoid, 2019 is at the top of that list. More than 250 complaints were recorded by the NHTSA, which issued a significant seven recalls. The majority of these which were related to the ECM software causing an unexpected engine stall.
What is the most common problem with a Subaru Crosstrek?
1. Head Gasket Leaks. One of the most notorious issues plaguing Subaru vehicles is head gasket leaks, particularly in older models with the EJ series engines. These leaks can lead to coolant loss, overheating, and potential engine damage if left untreated.
Why is Subaru discontinuing the Crosstrek?
So why is Subaru discontinuing the Crosstrek? According to the company, the decision was made in order to streamline their product lineup and focus on their core models. While the Crosstrek has been a popular model for Subaru, it has not been as successful as some of their other models such as the Outback and Ascent.
What happens if you put regular gas in a premium only tank?
If you put lower-octane fuel into your high-octane vehicle, whether by mistake or to save money on gas, you'll probably notice the effects right away: things like poor fuel economy, reduced acceleration, and spark knock, which sounds like a high-pitched pinging or rattling noise.
