What gas does a Chevy Cobalt SS take?
The Chevy Cobalt SS requires premium, high-octane gasoline rather than regular, with exact octane recommendations varying by model year. In practice, both the turbocharged and earlier supercharged versions call for premium fuel to maintain performance and avoid knocking. Always check your owner's manual or the fuel door sticker for the precise specification for your car.
Two Cobalt SS variants and their fuel needs
Cobalt SS Turbo (2008–2010)
Key fuel details for the turbocharged SS variant, which shared its engine family with GM’s performance line.
Before listing the specifics, note the following: turbocharged engines typically require higher octane to prevent detonation and to deliver peak performance. The Cobalt SS Turbo is designed to run on premium gasoline with high octane ratings, and it can generally tolerate ethanol blends up to E10. Exact octane requirements can vary by market, so refer to the manual or fuel door for your model year.
- Octane rating: Premium unleaded gasoline, typically 91 AKI (RON) or higher; many owners use 93 octane for maximum performance.
- Ethanol content: Accepts up to E10 in standard U.S. fuel blends.
- Market variation: Some regions may specify slightly different octane targets; always confirm with your manual or dealer.
In summary for the Turbo model, premium fuel is recommended to sustain performance and engine safety, with most drivers opting for a 93-octane grade in many markets.
Cobalt SS Supercharged (2005–2007)
Details for the earlier supercharged SS variant, which used a different engine family but shared the premium-fuel expectation.
Before the list, an important note: the supercharged SS was also designed for higher-octane fuel to support its forced-induction setup, and using premium fuel helps preserve performance and engine reliability. ethanol compatibility generally follows standard U.S. blends, up to E10, but always verify for your specific year.
- Octane rating: Premium unleaded gasoline, commonly 93 octane in many markets; some owners run 91 octane if 93 isn’t available, but premium is strongly preferred.
- Ethanol content: Typically supports up to E10; consult the manual for any model-specific restrictions.
- Market variation: As with the turbo model, octane targets can vary by country or region; verify with the vehicle’s documentation.
Concluding for the Supercharged model, premium fuel is advised to maintain performance and longevity, with many owners sticking to high-octane options available in their area.
Practical fuel notes for all Cobalt SS models
Beyond octane, there are a few practical points to keep in mind when fueling your Cobalt SS:
- Always use fuel that matches the octane specification printed in your manual or on the fuel door sticker.
- Most Cobalt SS models are compatible with regular ethanol-blended fuels up to E10; avoid higher ethanol blends unless explicitly approved.
- Using lower-octane fuel can cause knocking and reduced performance, especially in turbocharged or supercharged engines.
Consult your owner’s manual for the exact fuel specification for your year and market, as recommendations can differ slightly between regions.
Summary
In short, the Chevy Cobalt SS, whether turbocharged (2008–2010) or supercharged (2005–2007), is designed to run on premium, high-octane gasoline. Expect octane targets around 91 AKI or higher, with many owners opting for 93 octane for maximum performance, and confirm the exact requirements from your manual or fuel door label. Ethanol compatibility generally extends to E10.
What kind of gas does a 2008 Chevy Cobalt take?
2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Specs, Features & Options
| Drivetrain | ||
|---|---|---|
| Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
| Recommended Fuel | ||
| Regular | Regular | Premium |
| Stability Control |
What type of gas does a Chevy SS take?
In general, most Chevy vehicles can use regular unleaded gasoline. However, if you drive a Chevy sports car or a model with an upgraded engine, you may need to use premium fuel. Here are the models that require it for better performance and efficiency.
What gas does a Cobalt SS take?
SS Naturally aspirated (Sport) (2006-2008)
| Chevrolet Cobalt SS Specifications | ||
|---|---|---|
| SS Naturally-aspirated | SS Supercharged | |
| Fuel | Premium recommended but not required | |
| Max engine speed | 6750 rpm | 6450 rpm |
| Fuel economy (city) | 25 mpg‑US (9.4 L/100 km; 30 mpg‑imp) | 23 mpg‑US (10 L/100 km; 28 mpg‑imp) |
Is 87 regular gas?
Yes, 87 octane gas is considered regular gasoline in most of the United States. It is the standard fuel grade and is suitable for most everyday vehicles.
- Regular gas: Typically has an octane rating of 87, making it the standard choice for the majority of cars on the road.
- Midgrade and premium gas: These fuels have higher octane ratings (typically 89-90 for midgrade and 91-94 for premium) and are designed for high-performance or high-compression engines.
- Best practice: Always check your vehicle's owner's manual to see what octane rating is recommended or required by the manufacturer. Most cars are designed to run on 87 octane, so using higher grades won't necessarily improve performance.
