Should I put 87 or 89 gas in my car?
Choosing the right type of gasoline for your car is essential for maintaining its performance and longevity. Many drivers wonder whether they should use regular 87 octane gas or opt for mid-grade 89 octane. The answer depends on your vehicle's specific requirements and how you want it to perform. Let’s break it down to help you make the best decision for your car.
Understanding Octane Ratings
Octane ratings measure a fuel's ability to resist "knocking" during combustion. Knocking occurs when the air-fuel mixture in your engine ignites prematurely, which can cause damage over time. Here's what the numbers mean:
- 87 Octane (Regular Gas): This is the most common type of gasoline and is suitable for most vehicles. It is designed for engines that do not require high compression.
- 89 Octane (Mid-Grade Gas): This fuel has a slightly higher resistance to knocking and is often recommended for vehicles with higher compression engines or those that experience knocking with regular gas.
What Does Your Car Manufacturer Recommend?
The first step in deciding between 87 and 89 gas is to check your car's owner’s manual. Manufacturers design engines to run optimally on a specific octane level. Here’s what to look for:
- If your car is designed for 87 octane, using 89 octane will not provide any significant benefits and may just cost you more at the pump.
- If your car requires 89 octane or higher, using 87 octane could lead to knocking, reduced performance, and potential engine damage over time.
When Should You Consider Using 89 Octane?
Even if your car is designed for 87 octane, there are situations where using 89 octane might be beneficial:
- Engine Knocking: If you notice knocking or pinging sounds when using 87 octane, switching to 89 octane can help resolve the issue.
- Towing or Heavy Loads: When your car is under extra stress, such as towing a trailer or carrying heavy cargo, higher-octane fuel can improve performance and reduce knocking.
- High Altitudes: In some cases, vehicles may perform better with mid-grade fuel in high-altitude areas, though this depends on the engine design.
Does Higher Octane Improve Performance?
It’s a common misconception that higher-octane fuel always improves performance. Unless your car specifically requires 89 octane or higher, you are unlikely to notice any significant difference in power or fuel efficiency. Stick to the recommended octane level to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Conclusion
In most cases, 87 octane gas is sufficient for vehicles designed to run on regular fuel. However, if your car’s manufacturer recommends 89 octane or if you experience knocking, it’s worth upgrading to mid-grade fuel. Always consult your owner’s manual and pay attention to how your car performs to make the best choice for your vehicle.
At Kevin’s Autos, we’re here to help with all your car maintenance and repair needs. If you have questions about fuel types or engine performance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced team!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Honda Accord need 87 or 89 gas?
Does the Honda Accord need premium gas? Technically speaking, no Honda vehicles require premium gasoline. That's right: Unless you're especially concerned about your carbon footprint, you're able to use regular gasoline whenever you drive around Carlsbad and San Marcos.
Is it better to use 89 gas instead of 87?
Most likely you will see no difference. 89 Octane gas is not better, nor more power-packed, than 87 octane gasoline. The only significant difference is the rate of burn. Your computer-controlled engine can make slight adjustments in either case.
What happens if I put 89 instead of 87 on Reddit?
It is ok to go higher rating bit dont go below what is recomended. The only difference is price, so choose the lowest priced fuel that meets your vehicle requirements.
What cars take 87 gas?
If you're interested in luxury cars that take regular gas, check out these automotive makes at Rusnak Auto Group:
- Acura.
- Audi.
- Bentley.
- BMW.
- Infiniti.
- Jaguar.
- Land Rover.
- Mercedes-Benz.
What is the point of 89 gas?
Some cars just need a few extra octane. Mainly older ones who's engines don't have knock sensors. And in some areas, if you want "ethanol-free" it's only available as 89.
What cars need 89 gas?
No Vehicles Need 89-Octane Fuel
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.
Can mixing 87 and 89 mess up your car?
So, is it bad to mix gas? While it won't cause any significant issues, it's not a good idea to mix 87 and 89 gas. If you find yourself in a situation where you must combine the two types of gas, it's not the end of the world. Your car will be fine, but you may notice a decrease in performance.
What happens if I put unleaded 87 in my 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.
What fuel is best for my car?
Unleaded petrol
Unleaded petrol typically has an octane rating of between 91 and 95 RON (research octane number). The higher the number, the better the fuel resists knocking. Most engines are designed to work with 95 RON fuel, although some older or low-powered cars can also function with 91 or 92 RON.
Does 89 gas burn faster?
Fuel with an 87 octane rating burns more quickly while higher-octane fuels burn more slowly. In engines designed for standard unleaded fuel, efficiency and performance is optimized for 87 octane and could actually perform worse with higher-octane fuel since the burn rate is slower.
