What gas does a Chevy Trailblazer take?
The Trailblazer runs on regular unleaded gasoline with an 87-octane minimum. Higher-octane fuel is optional and not typically required for the standard engines.
Across the current lineup (2021 to present), the Trailblazer uses small turbocharged engines designed to run on regular gasoline. While 87-octane fuel is the baseline, drivers may opt for higher-octane fuel in certain conditions or based on regional guidelines. Always check the exact fuel specification in your owner's manual for your model year and engine option. In the United States, gasoline typically contains up to 10% ethanol (E10), with regional variations possible.
Fuel type and octane requirements
The following overview applies to contemporary Trailblazer models and reflects guidance commonly provided by GM for the 1.2L and 1.3L turbo engines.
- Regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 (AKI) or higher is suitable as the minimum requirement.
- Premium gasoline (91–93 octane) is not required for the standard engines, though you may use it if you prefer or under specific driving conditions or regional recommendations.
- In the United States and many other markets, gasoline commonly contains up to 10% ethanol (E10). Check your owner's manual for ethanol content guidance and any regional differences.
Note: Always verify the exact fuel specification for your model year and engine option in the owner’s manual, as requirements can vary by year or market.
Ethanol compatibility and regional notes
Most Trailblazer models are designed to run on E10 gasoline where that blend is standard. If you reside in an area with higher ethanol blends or non-standard formulations, consult GM’s guidance or your dealer for region-specific recommendations to avoid potential warranty or engine issues.
Practical fueling tips
Before filling up, consider these pointers to ensure you’re using the right fuel and maintaining performance over time.
- Use regular unleaded gasoline with an 87-octane minimum. Premium is optional and often not necessary for the standard engines.
- If you notice knocking, pinging, or reduced performance under load, refer to the owner’s manual or your dealer about whether higher-octane fuel is advised for your engine variant or climate conditions.
- Stick to reputable brands and avoid fuels with additives not recommended by GM to maintain consistent octane and engine performance.
Bottom line: For most Chevy Trailblazer owners, regular 87-octane gasoline is adequate. Always confirm the exact fuel requirements for your year and engine option in the owner’s manual and consider regional ethanol guidelines.
Engine variants and fuel guidance
1.2L turbo and 1.3L turbo specifics
The Trailblazer’s turbocharged inline-three engines (1.2L and 1.3L) are designed to run on regular gasoline as a baseline. While 87-octane fuel is typically sufficient, consult your vehicle’s manual for any model-year or regional nuances, as some variants or markets may have slight differences in recommended octane or ethanol content.
Summary: The Chevrolet Trailblazer generally uses regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Premium fuel is not required for the standard engines, but always verify the exact specification for your model year and engine option in the owner’s manual, especially if you’re outside the U.S. or in a region with different fuel formulations.
Summary
In brief, the Chevy Trailblazer takes regular unleaded gasoline with an 87-octane minimum. Higher-octane fuel is optional, and for most drivers there’s little to gain from using premium fuel. Always check your specific model year and engine option in the owner’s manual for the precise fuel recommendation, including any ethanol guidance for your region.
What happens if I use 87 instead of 93?
If your car requires 93 octane and you use 87, you may experience engine knocking, reduced performance, and lower fuel economy, as the engine may have to adjust to prevent damage. However, modern cars with knock sensors can often adapt by retarding the ignition timing, so you will likely be fine in the short term. In the long term, continued use of lower octane fuel in a premium-required engine could lead to engine damage and potentially void your warranty.
Potential consequences
- Engine knock: The fuel may ignite prematurely, causing a pinging or rattling sound.
- Reduced performance: You might notice slower acceleration or a less spirited feel from the engine.
- Lower fuel economy: The engine may not run as efficiently, leading to decreased miles per gallon.
- Potential for long-term damage: If the engine constantly has to adjust for lower octane, it can lead to internal component damage over time.
- Voided warranty: Using the wrong fuel can void your vehicle's warranty.
What to do
- Check your owner's manual: If your car's manual says "premium fuel recommended" versus "premium fuel required," you may have more flexibility. If it says "required," it's best to stick with 93 octane to avoid damage.
- Drive carefully: Avoid hard acceleration or heavy loads until you can refill with the correct octane fuel.
- Refill with the correct fuel next time: To get back to the recommended octane, fill up with 93 octane on your next visit to the gas station.
What kind of gas does the Chevy Blazer RS take?
Regular unleaded
Fuel & MPG
| Cost to Drive | $264/mo |
|---|---|
| Fuel type | Regular unleaded |
| EPA city/highway MPG | 19/26 MPG |
Can I use 87 gas instead of 91?
You can use 87 octane gas instead of 91 if your car requires 91, but you should check your owner's manual for the minimum recommended octane and be aware that performance may decrease. Using a lower octane than recommended can cause engine knocking, though modern engines have knock sensors that will adjust timing to prevent damage, notes Jalopnik. It is best to follow the manufacturer's recommendation and fill up with the correct octane as soon as possible.
If your car requires 91 octane
- For a one-time use in an emergency: It's generally safe to use 87 octane for a single fill-up, as modern engines can compensate.
- For long-term use: Using 87 octane regularly can lead to reduced performance and efficiency, and may cause engine knocking or other damage, especially in older cars without knock sensors.
- What to do next: After a single use, top off the tank with 91 octane as soon as you can to mix the fuels and get back to the recommended level.
If your car does not require 91 octane
- There is no benefit: If your car is designed to run on 87 octane, there is no performance benefit to using 91 octane, and you will just be spending more money.
- It is safe to mix: You can safely mix 87 and 91 octane fuel if your car is designed to run on 87, or if you're trying to get to the recommended octane level for a premium-fuel car.
Should I use 87 or 89 gas?
Your car will run just fine. All modern cars can run 87,89,91,93. It's suggested that for maximum power that you use 93. If you're not at a track day event and just daily commuting 87 will serve you well. All modern cars are equipped with knock sensors to prevent engine damage from running lower octane fuel.
