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Should I use 87 or 89 octane gas?

The short answer is that it depends on your vehicle's recommended fuel octane rating. Most vehicles can run on 87 octane regular gasoline, but some higher-performance engines may require 89 octane mid-grade fuel for optimal performance and efficiency.


Understanding Octane Ratings


Gasoline octane ratings refer to the fuel's resistance to premature ignition, or "knocking." The higher the octane number, the more resistant the fuel is to knocking. Engines with higher compression ratios are more prone to knocking and therefore require higher octane fuels to prevent this.


87 octane is the standard regular gasoline recommended for most passenger vehicles. 89 octane is considered mid-grade fuel, while 91-93 octane is premium.


Choosing the Right Octane


To determine the right octane for your vehicle, check your owner's manual or the fuel information sticker located inside the fuel door or in the engine bay. This will specify the manufacturer's recommended octane rating.



  • If your vehicle's manual calls for 87 octane regular, that is the minimum octane you should use.

  • If it specifies 89 octane mid-grade or higher, you should use that to avoid potential engine damage from knocking.

  • Using a higher octane fuel than recommended won't provide any additional benefits and will just cost you more at the pump.


In general, higher-performance, turbocharged, or high-compression engines tend to require the higher 89 octane fuel. Older, lower-performance engines can typically run on 87 octane without issue.


Potential Consequences of Using the Wrong Octane


Using a fuel with too low of an octane rating for your engine can lead to knocking, which can cause damage over time. Using a higher octane than necessary won't harm your engine, but it will cost you more money at the gas station without providing any additional benefits.


So in summary, check your owner's manual, use the recommended octane, and you'll keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently.

What cars require 89 octane?


No vehicles are dependent on 89 octane.



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.



Does 89 octane get better gas mileage?


Octane ratings alone do not equal better gas mileage.



Which gas is better for your car, 87 or 88?


Unleaded 88 burns cleaner and reduces toxins, making it more environmentally friendly. According to Sheetz, the Unleaded 88 is said to be better for a customer's engine as it provides a higher-octane level than the Unleaded 87 that helps boost horsepower and efficiency in a vehicle.''



Does 89 octane burn slower?


These octane numbers (87, 89, 91, etc.) refer to the amount of energy required to ignite the gasoline. It is actually a percentage of the fuel's performance measured against pure (100%) octane. Lower octane gas (regular) burns quicker than higher octane.



What is the best gas to put in your car?


It depends on your vehicle's octane rating. Use 87 octane if your manual recommends it. If your car requires 89 octane, it's best to use that for optimal performance. Using 87 in a vehicle designed for 89 won't damage the engine, but it might lead to reduced fuel economy or performance.



Does 88 octane get better gas mileage?


In a real-world environment, the difference in mileage between Unleaded 88 and regular gasoline is virtually undetectable.



Is it bad to put 93 in a car that takes 87?


Nothing happens when you mix 93 (premium) and 87 (regular) octane gases. The mix is called “midgrade” gas. Some of the benefits of 93 gas include better engine health, reduced engine knock, better fuel economy, and more power. Note that your owner's manual indicates what type of gas works best with your vehicle.



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.



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.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.