What gas to use for a Dodge Dart?
For most Dodge Dart models, regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) is sufficient. The turbocharged 1.4L Turbo MultiAir engine typically benefits from premium gasoline (91 octane or higher) to maintain peak performance. Always confirm the exact octane requirement in your owner's manual or on the fuel-filler door sticker for your specific year and engine.
Engine options and octane requirements
Fuel octane needs vary by engine in the Dodge Dart lineup. The following guidance reflects common configurations from the model years 2013–2016 and similar variants.
- 2.0L World engine: Regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) is standard for this engine family.
- 2.4L Tigershark engine: Regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) is standard; premium is not required but can be used if available.
- 1.4L Turbo MultiAir engine: Premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher) is typically recommended to preserve performance and knock resistance.
Octane requirements can vary by model year, trim, and tuning. Always verify with the fuel-filler door label or the owner's manual for your specific Dart.
What this means for daily fueling
In everyday driving, most Dart owners can rely on regular 87 octane fuel. If you own the turbocharged 1.4L engine, plan for premium fuel to ensure the advertised horsepower and torque. If you are unsure which engine you have, consult the owner's manual or check the under-hood engine code to confirm.
Practical fueling tips and ethanol considerations
To help you fuel correctly and protect your engine, consider these guidelines.
- Most gasoline sold in the United States is E10 (gasoline blended with up to 10% ethanol). This is compatible with Dodge Darts.
- Avoid using ethanol blends higher than what your manual allows (for example, E15 or higher) unless the vehicle explicitly states compatibility; excessive ethanol can cause starting or fuel-system issues in some engines.
- Use fuel from reputable stations and avoid letting the tank run very low, which can draw in sediment or water.
- For the turbocharged 1.4L engine, if you want maximum performance, use premium gasoline as recommended; if you drive mostly under normal conditions, regular fuel will still run but with reduced peak performance.
Always verify your vehicle's octane requirements via the owner's manual or the fuel door label. The guidelines above reflect typical configurations for the Dodge Dart lineup.
Summary
The Dodge Dart generally uses regular 87-octane fuel, with turbocharged 1.4L models typically benefiting from premium 91-octane fuel for peak performance. Engine year and trim can affect the exact requirement, so always check the door sticker or owner’s manual to ensure you’re using (and optimizing for) the correct octane. In the United States, expect E10 to be the standard fuel, and avoid higher-ethanol blends unless your manual specifically allows them. This ensures better performance, efficiency, and engine longevity.
