Do Subaru turbos need premium gas?
Subaru vehicles, particularly those equipped with turbocharged engines, are known for their performance and reliability. However, one common question among Subaru owners is whether these turbocharged engines require premium gasoline. In this article, we’ll explore why premium gas might be necessary for your Subaru turbo and the potential consequences of using regular gas instead.
Why Turbocharged Engines Often Require Premium Gas
Turbocharged engines, like those found in many Subaru models such as the WRX and Forester XT, are designed to deliver higher performance by compressing air into the engine’s cylinders. This process increases power output but also raises the engine’s compression ratio. Higher compression ratios typically require fuel with a higher octane rating to prevent engine knocking or pre-ignition, which can damage the engine over time.
Premium gasoline, which usually has an octane rating of 91 or higher, is formulated to resist knocking under high compression. Subaru turbocharged engines are engineered to perform optimally with this type of fuel, ensuring smooth operation and longevity.
What Happens If You Use Regular Gas?
Using regular gasoline (with an octane rating of 87) in a Subaru turbocharged engine can lead to several issues, including:
- Engine Knocking: The lower octane fuel may ignite prematurely, causing knocking or pinging sounds. Over time, this can lead to engine damage.
- Reduced Performance: Turbocharged engines rely on premium gas to achieve their intended power output. Using regular gas can result in decreased acceleration and overall performance.
- Lower Fuel Efficiency: The engine may compensate for the lower octane fuel by adjusting its timing, which can reduce fuel efficiency.
- Potential Warranty Issues: If your vehicle’s manual specifies premium gas and you use regular gas, it could void certain warranty claims related to engine damage.
What Does Subaru Recommend?
Subaru’s owner manuals typically specify the type of fuel required for each model. For turbocharged engines, the recommendation is almost always premium gasoline. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines ensures that your vehicle operates as intended and avoids unnecessary wear and tear.
Conclusion
In summary, if you own a Subaru with a turbocharged engine, it’s highly recommended to use premium gasoline. While it may cost more at the pump, the benefits of improved performance, fuel efficiency, and engine longevity far outweigh the potential risks of using regular gas. Always consult your vehicle’s owner manual for specific fuel requirements to keep your Subaru running smoothly for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of gas does a Subaru Outback 2.4 turbo take?
For the majority of Subaru models, such as the Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent, regular 87-octane fuel is perfectly adequate. These vehicles are designed to run efficiently on regular fuel, providing a good balance of performance, fuel economy, and cost savings.
How much horsepower does a 2.4 turbo Outback have?
260 horsepower
The 2024 Subaru Outback features an available 2.4L SUBARU BOXER turbocharged four-cylinder engine that can provide an improved ride during your rugged adventures. This engine is capable of delivering a robust 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque.
What happens if I put 91 instead of 87?
The majority of engines require 87. However, if you put 91 into one of these cars, then your vehicle will still operate adequately. Some vehicles, such as sports and vintage cars, call for 91. If you put 87 into the system of one of these high-performance vehicles, then the engine is not going to break down.
Can you put 87 in a WRX?
For the WRX model, the Owner's Manual states: “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 with no detriment to engine durability.
Can you put regular gas in a Subaru XT?
Folks, the Ascent and 2020+ Outback XT (and Outback Wilderness) require 87 octane (or higher) in all climates, at any altitude.
What happens if you don't use premium gas in a turbo engine?
However, remember this: when a premium fuel engine runs on regular fuel, there's a risk of combustion of the fuel mix before the spark plug even lights up. This causes a phenomenon called knocking, which is likely to damage the engine.
What happens if you put 87 in a turbo car?
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.
Does the Subaru 2.5 turbo engine require premium gas?
However, the engines found in the Subaru BRZ, the Subaru WRX, and the Subaru WRX STI are built for higher compression with a powerful turbocharger -- as a result, regular fuel can be problematic in these engines. Instead, premium gas is required.
Is premium gas required for a turbo?
Also, premium gas is more resistant to engine knock in luxury and performance vehicles with turbochargers or high-compression engines, so you can hit that horsepower smoothly. Remember that you see these benefits only in vehicles requiring premium gas and not necessarily in most other vehicles.
Do Subaru turbo engines need premium gas?
However, the engines found in the Subaru BRZ, the Subaru WRX, and the Subaru WRX STI are built for higher compression with a powerful turbocharger -- as a result, regular fuel can be problematic in these engines. Instead, premium gas is required.
