Does Chevy need premium gas?
The short answer is no, most Chevrolet vehicles do not require premium gasoline. Chevy recommends regular unleaded fuel for the majority of their models, though some high-performance variants may benefit from premium gas. Let's dive into the details.
Chevrolet's Fuel Recommendations
According to Chevrolet's fuel recommendations, the vast majority of their vehicles are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. This includes popular models like the Silverado, Equinox, Malibu, and Trax. Chevrolet states that using a higher octane fuel than recommended will not improve performance or fuel economy for these standard models.
However, Chevrolet does recommend premium gasoline (91 octane or higher) for some of their high-performance vehicles, such as the Corvette, Camaro, and select Silverado trims with turbocharged or high-output engines. These powerful engines are designed to take advantage of the higher octane fuel to prevent knocking or pinging, which can occur with regular gas. Using the recommended premium fuel in these models can help optimize performance and efficiency.
Understanding Octane Ratings
Octane rating is a measure of a fuel's resistance to premature ignition, or "knocking." Regular gasoline typically has an octane rating of 87, while premium is usually 91 or higher. Engines with higher compression ratios or forced induction (turbochargers/superchargers) are more prone to knocking and therefore require higher octane fuel to prevent this.
Using a fuel with a lower octane rating than recommended can lead to engine knocking, which can cause damage over time. However, using a higher octane fuel than recommended will not provide any additional benefits for most standard Chevrolet models.
Exceptions and Recommendations
- Chevrolet recommends premium fuel (91 octane or higher) for the Corvette, Camaro, and select high-performance Silverado trims to optimize performance and efficiency.
- For all other Chevrolet models, regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) is sufficient and recommended by the manufacturer.
- Always refer to your owner's manual for the specific fuel requirements of your Chevrolet vehicle.
- If you're unsure, it's best to err on the side of caution and use the recommended fuel type to avoid potential engine damage.
In summary, Chevrolet generally does not require premium gasoline for the majority of their vehicles, with the exception of some high-performance models. Be sure to follow the fuel recommendations provided by Chevrolet to ensure optimal performance and efficiency for your Chevy.
Does premium gas get better mileage?
No, any fuel efficiency gained using premium fuel would stem from engine performance, not the gas itself. Buying premium gas won't have you visiting a gas station any less frequently, especially with a standard engine not designed to take advantage of premium gas.
What happens if you accidentally mix 87 and 91 gas?
Yes, drivers can mix the two types of fuel. The combined gas types will result in an octane level somewhere in the middle — something the vehicle “will survive,” according to The Drive.
What happens if I put 91 instead of 87?
Chances are your vehicle would have reduced fuel economy, but no significant problems should occur. Ultimately, you simply should stick with the octane level your car needs as recommended by the manufacturer.
Does it matter if you use 87 or 89 gas?
No Vehicles Need 89-Octane Fuel
Even then, it's not required, only recommended. Using 87-octane fuel in any of them won't harm the powertrain. At worst, it could cause the engine computer to slow the ignition timing a bit or adjust the fuel injection, potentially lowering fuel economy or performance.
Does Chevy Silverado require premium gas?
No, you do not have to put premium gas in the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. It will run just fine on unleaded gas. It is unclear if putting premium gas in the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado will provide you with any benefits at all, but if you want your engine to remain clean, you need to invest in routine maintenance.
Can I put 87 in my Chevy Silverado?
The Chevy Silverado 1500 has several different engine options. The standard 2.7-liter Turbo engine is designed for regular 87-octane gasoline. This is the most common and affordable gas grade, so it's a great match for the efficient 2.7-liter engine as you cruise through Blythe.
Does Chevy Malibu require premium gas?
Premium Gas
High-performance, hardworking engines with high compression ratios require premium gasoline to run properly. Some powerful engines like that in the new Chevy Malibu need premium gas for optimal function. The higher octane level prevents engine knocking.
What happens if you put 93 gas in an 87 car?
Engine computers can usually adjust their timing to account for the increased octane levels, so if you put premium gas in a regular car, you probably won't notice anything. However, some engines are not designed to burn higher-octane fuel, and you may see a reduction in performance and fuel economy.
Will regular gas damage a premium engine?
This will most often come into play if substituting regular for premium leads to significant engine knock or pinging that causes damage to the pistons or other engine components. Aside from those complications, you could also experience a decrease in fuel efficiency and overall engine performance.
Does premium gas really make a difference?
In most cases, the difference in performance is small and something you may not notice during normal driving. If the car is designed for regular gas — or doesn't specifically say that the car requires premium gas — go with regular. There are no benefits to putting premium gas in a car that doesn't need it.
