What fuel does a Subaru WRX take?
The Subaru WRX, a high-performance sports car, is designed to run on premium gasoline, typically 91 or 93 octane. This high-octane fuel is necessary to prevent engine knocking and ensure optimal performance from the WRX's turbocharged engine.
Subaru WRX Engine and Fuel Requirements
The Subaru WRX is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, which produces a significant amount of power and torque. To handle this power, the engine requires a higher-octane fuel to prevent premature detonation, also known as engine knocking. Using a lower-octane fuel can lead to engine damage and reduced performance in the WRX.
According to Subaru's recommendations, the WRX should use premium unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 91. Some models may even specify 93 octane fuel for optimal performance and efficiency. Using a lower-octane fuel can result in a noticeable decrease in power and acceleration, as well as potential long-term engine damage.
Consequences of Using Lower-Octane Fuel
Attempting to save money by using a lower-octane fuel in a Subaru WRX is generally not recommended. The engine is designed to operate at its best with premium fuel, and using a lower-octane alternative can have several negative consequences:
- Reduced power and acceleration: The engine may experience a noticeable loss of power and responsiveness, as the lower-octane fuel is more prone to premature detonation, which can limit the engine's ability to produce maximum power.
- Increased risk of engine damage: The higher compression and turbocharging of the WRX engine make it more susceptible to engine knocking, which can lead to piston and cylinder damage over time.
- Decreased fuel efficiency: Lower-octane fuel may result in a slight decrease in fuel economy, as the engine may need to adjust its timing and performance to compensate for the lower-quality fuel.
To ensure the long-term health and performance of your Subaru WRX, it is essential to use the recommended premium fuel as specified by the manufacturer.
Can I run E85 in my WRX?
Yes, with an eFlexFuel kit installed, your Subaru WRX STI can run on both E85 and regular gasoline.
Can you use 89 instead of 87?
If you opt for a higher octane than your manual recommends—say, 89 instead of 87—your car will be perfectly fine. It will not, however, improve your car's mileage or give it any sort of extra performance boost. The only thing it will do is cost you extra money, so don't do this.
Can I run 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.
Is premium gas good for 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.
What is the best gas for WRX?
Subaru says the higher-performance Subaru WRX STI requires 93-octane gasoline for optimal performance. The Owner's Manual states that if 93 octane isn't available in your area, 91 octane is acceptable.
Does the Subaru WRX require premium fuel?
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.
Why do turbocharged cars need premium gas?
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.
Should I use 87 or 91 gas?
The greater the octane number, the greater the fuel's ignition temperature. There is no benefit in using a higher octane fuel than your vehicle's engine needs, doing so is just wasting money. If your engine doesn't knock at regular octane (87), there is nothing to be gained from using a higher octane fuel.
What happens if I put 87 instead of 93?
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 happens if you accidentally put 87 instead of 91?
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.
