What brand of gas does Ford recommend?

Core guidance on octane and engine compatibility

Ford’s instructions focus on octane levels and engine design rather than brand loyalty. The following outlines the key considerations for most Ford models.

• 87 octane (regular unleaded) gasoline or higher is acceptable for most Ford vehicles.


• Engines that are turbocharged or have higher compression may require or benefit from premium gasoline (typically 91–93 octane), as specified in the owner's manual.


• Ford does not require a specific brand; any reputable brand providing the correct octane rating can be used.


• Local fuel quality and regional guidance may affect recommendations; always follow the manual for your exact model and market.

In practice, the majority of Ford drivers will be fine with regular 87-octane fuel from a trusted retailer, unless their particular engine is designed to run on higher-octane gasoline.

Ethanol content and fuel types

Ford also guides drivers on ethanol content, which can vary by market and vehicle type. The following points cover common situations in the United States and similar markets.

• Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) is standard for most Ford models in the U.S.


• Flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs) may be able to use gasoline containing up to 85% ethanol (E85) where available.


• Gasoline with higher ethanol content (such as E15 or beyond) is generally not recommended for standard Ford models unless the vehicle is FFV and explicitly rated for those fuels in the manual.


• Check the fuel filler door label and the owner's manual for exact compatibility and any regional restrictions.

If you’re unsure about ethanol compatibility for your specific vehicle, consulting the manual or contacting Ford customer support can prevent misfueling and potential warranty concerns.

Flex-fuel vehicles and brand considerations

Some Ford models are equipped as flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) that can run on E85 as well as regular gasoline. For these vehicles, Ford’s guidance emphasizes the option to use E85 where available, alongside standard gasoline, depending on the mix and regional availability.

To avoid fuel-related issues, keep these tips in mind when filling up with any brand:

• Know your octane requirement from the manual and use 87 octane or higher unless premium is specified for your engine.


• Know whether your vehicle is FFV and what ethanol blends it supports.


• Do not rely on brand alone; focus on octane and ethanol compatibility, plus regional fuel quality notes.

When in doubt, verify with the owner’s manual or a Ford service advisor, especially if you drive a high-performance or turbocharged model or you live in an area with different fuel formulations.

Summary

Ford does not designate a preferred gasoline brand. The recommended approach is to use gasoline that meets the vehicle’s octane requirements (typically 87 AKI or higher for most models, with premium advised for certain turbocharged engines) and to follow ethanol rules (most vehicles use up to E10; FFVs may use E85 where available). Always consult the owner's manual for your specific model and market to ensure you’re fueling correctly.

Who has the best gasoline for your car?

The best gasoline is Top Tier certified gasoline, which is available at numerous brands including Chevron, Shell, Exxon, Costco, and Valero, and is recommended by automakers like Honda, Toyota, and BMW. Top Tier fuel contains a higher concentration of detergent additives that clean and protect your engine from deposits, leading to better performance and fuel economy. 
What to look for

• Top Tier certification: This is the most important standard to look for. The Top Tier program was created by leading automakers to ensure gasoline meets strict detergent additive standards that are higher than the government-mandated minimum. 
• Detergent additives: The key difference in quality comes from the additives. The detergents in Top Tier gasoline help prevent deposits from building up on intake valves, fuel injectors, and other critical engine parts. 
• Manufacturer recommendations: Always check your car's owner's manual for the recommended octane level and any other specific fuel requirements. 

Where to find Top Tier gasoline
You can find a full list of Top Tier brands on the official Top Tier website, but some of the most well-known brands include: 
76, ARCO, BP, Chevron, Citgo, Costco (Kirkland Signature), Exxon, Mobil, Phillips 66, QuikTrip (QT), Shell, Texaco, and Valero.
Why it's worth it

• Better engine performance: Using Top Tier fuel helps keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently. 
• Increased fuel economy: Protecting your engine from deposits can lead to improved gas mileage. 
• Long-term savings: While Top Tier gas may cost a little more, it can help prevent engine damage and expensive repairs down the line. 

Does Ford recommend fuel additives?

Ford does not recommend the routine use of aftermarket fuel additives, stating that modern fuels already contain sufficient detergents. However, some Ford-branded additives, like the Motorcraft 44K fuel system cleaner, are recommended for use at specific intervals, according to some sources. The use of unapproved additives can be harmful and may void your warranty, so it is best to follow the manufacturer's guidelines. 
Ford's general stance

• Ford generally advises against the regular use of aftermarket fuel additives because modern gasoline already contains detergents to keep the engine clean. 
• Using unapproved additives can potentially cause damage to your fuel system and may not be covered by your warranty. 

Specific recommendations (as reported by some sources)

• Motorcraft 44K Fuel System Cleaner: Some sources suggest this product is recommended by Ford for use at every oil change (approximately every 7,500-10,000 miles). 
• Motorcraft Air Intake & Valve Cleaner: This cleaner is reportedly recommended by Ford for use every other oil change (approximately every 15,000-20,000 miles). 
• Motorcraft Anti-Gel Diesel treatment: This is a specific product recommended for diesel engines to help with cold-weather performance and fuel line protection. 

Key considerations

• Always check your vehicle's owner's manual for official recommendations on fuel and additives. 
• If you have concerns or your engine has a specific issue, consult a qualified Ford technician for guidance. 
• Using additives as directed and using only those that are explicitly approved by Ford can help prevent damage and maintain your warranty. 

What gasoline does Ford recommend?

regular unleaded gasoline
If you drive a new Ford truck, car or SUV, regular unleaded gasoline should work fine for your vehicle. However, it's always important to read your Ford owner's manual for recommended fuel information.

Why does Ford recommend BP gas?

Ford recommends BP Ultimate fuel because it is designed to work with their engines to keep vital components clean and protected, which helps maintain optimal performance, economy, and emissions. This recommendation is part of a partnership between the two companies, and it is supported by BP's assertion that its fuel contains detergents that help prevent engine deposits. 

• Engine performance: Ford states that BP Ultimate works in harmony with its engines to keep critical parts clean and protected. 
• Engine cleanliness: The fuel's detergents are designed to prevent carbon deposits and keep the engine clean, which is particularly beneficial for modern, sophisticated engines like Ford's Ecoboost engines. 
• Partnership and promotion: Ford and BP have a history of joint promotional efforts, including branding gas caps with "Ford recommends BP" logos on new vehicles sold in the U.S. 
• Top-tier fuel: By recommending a specific brand, Ford is encouraging the use of a top-tier fuel that contains extra detergents compared to minimum-standard fuels, as a Reddit user notes.