What gas does Ford recommend?
Ford generally recommends using regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher for most vehicles; some high-performance engines may require premium (91–93 octane), and flex-fuel models can use ethanol blends such as E85 when approved. Always check your owner's manual and the fuel-filler label for the exact specification.
General octane guidelines
The following points outline Ford's broad guidance on which octane level to use for most of its engines. This helps prevent engine knock, maintain performance, and preserve efficiency.
- Regular unleaded gasoline with 87 octane or higher is sufficient for the majority of Ford engines.
- Some high-performance or turbocharged engines may require premium gasoline (typically 91–93 octane) for optimal performance; always follow the manual’s specification.
- Using a lower octane than recommended can lead to knocking, reduced performance, and potentially longer-term engine wear.
In short, always follow the octane rating specified in your owner’s manual or the fuel-cap label. If you notice knocking or pinging, switch to the recommended higher-octane fuel and have the vehicle inspected if the issue persists.
Flex-fuel vehicles and ethanol blends
Ford also addresses fuel types for vehicles configured as flex-fuel (FFV) versus conventional gasoline models. The following points explain how ethanol blends fit into Ford’s guidance.
- Flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) can typically run on E85 (up to 85% ethanol) or on gasoline, depending on the model and specifications.
- Non-flex-fuel Ford vehicles are designed to run on gasoline, generally up to typical ethanol blends such as E10; using higher ethanol blends is not recommended unless the vehicle is specifically rated as FFV and approved for those blends.
- Always verify the approved ethanol blends and octane requirements by checking the fuel-filler label and your owner's manual.
Bottom line: use the fuel your Ford model is designed for. If your vehicle is FFV, you may have the option of E85; otherwise, gasoline up to the recommended ethanol blend (often E10) is standard. When in doubt, consult the manual or contact Ford customer support for model-specific guidance.
Summary
Ford's official guidance centers on matching fuel to the vehicle's specifications. For most models, regular unleaded gasoline at 87 octane or higher is suitable, with premium required for certain engines. Flex-fuel vehicles can use ethanol blends such as E85 where approved, while non-FFVs should use gasoline within the manual’s guidance. Always consult the owner’s manual and the fuel-cap label to ensure you’re using the correct fuel for your Ford.
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.
What happens if I put 91 instead of 95?
But if your car is designed to take premium petrol, and it is fed a lower grade petrol than recommended, that's when issues can arise. For example, putting regular unleaded 91 RON in a car designed for the higher-octane 95 RON or 98 RON could result in knocking in the engine.
Should I put 87 or 89 in my car?
No, 89 octane gas is not inherently better than 87, but it can be necessary for certain vehicles. For most cars, using 89 octane instead of 87 will not provide benefits like increased power or efficiency and is simply a more expensive choice. However, some engines are designed to require a higher octane level (like 89 or 91) to prevent knocking and damage, especially if they have a turbocharger or higher compression ratio. You should always use the octane level recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual.
When 89 octane may be needed
- Your car's manufacturer recommends it in the owner's manual.
- Your engine has a turbocharger or supercharger.
- Your engine has a high compression ratio.
- You hear your engine "knocking" or "pinging" when using 87 octane gas.
When 89 octane is not necessary
- Your car is designed for 87 octane fuel and doesn't have a high-performance engine.
- Using 89 octane won't make your car faster or more efficient than the recommended 87.
- You will simply be paying more for no added benefit.
Should I use 87 or 93 gas in my F-150 EcoBoost?
You can run 87 for normal use. Ford lowered the compression ratio which is one reasons you don't need higher octane gas. 93 just burns slower and prevents pre det which you'd only see on really hot days or towing. Run 87 and save yourself the coin.
