What happens when you put 91 gas instead of 87 in a Dodge Charger?
Using a higher octane fuel than recommended for your vehicle can potentially cause some issues, but the impact may vary depending on the specific engine and driving conditions. In the case of a Dodge Charger, using 91 octane gas instead of the recommended 87 octane is generally not recommended and may not provide any significant benefits.
Understanding Octane Ratings
Octane ratings are a measure of a fuel's resistance to premature ignition, also known as "knocking" or "pinging." Lower-octane fuels like 87 octane are more prone to knocking, which can cause engine damage over time. Higher-octane fuels like 91 or 93 are less prone to knocking and are typically recommended for high-performance or turbocharged engines that operate under higher compression.
Potential Impacts of Using 91 Octane in a Dodge Charger
In a Dodge Charger with a standard, naturally-aspirated engine, using 91 octane gas instead of the recommended 87 octane is unlikely to provide any significant benefits. The engine is designed to operate efficiently on the lower-octane fuel, and using a higher-octane fuel may not result in noticeable performance gains or improved fuel economy.
However, there are a few potential drawbacks to using a higher-octane fuel than recommended:
- No performance boost: The engine in a Dodge Charger is not designed to take advantage of the higher octane rating, so you may not see any improvements in acceleration, horsepower, or fuel efficiency.
- Increased cost: Higher-octane fuels are typically more expensive than regular 87 octane, so you'll be paying more at the pump without any tangible benefits.
- Potential engine damage: In rare cases, using a higher-octane fuel than recommended can actually cause engine damage, as the engine may not be able to properly ignite the fuel, leading to increased combustion temperatures and potential issues.
It's important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for fuel octane, as they have designed the engine to operate most efficiently and safely with the specified fuel.
Conclusion
In summary, using 91 octane gas instead of the recommended 87 octane in a Dodge Charger is generally not recommended and is unlikely to provide any significant benefits. It may even result in increased costs and, in rare cases, potential engine damage. For the best performance and fuel efficiency, it's best to stick to the manufacturer's recommended fuel octane rating for your Dodge Charger.
Can I drive my car after putting wrong gas?
Serious answer - it will be fine and will not do damage. If anything the fuel economy will be a pooptenth worse which you won't notice.
Can I switch from 87 to 91?
Yes, you can switch from 87 to 91 octane gas, and it is safe for your car's engine, but it may not provide any noticeable benefit unless your car is designed for premium fuel. Modern vehicles have engine control units (ECUs) that can adjust to the change in octane, so it's a safe switch, though it will be more expensive.
When to switch
- If your car requires premium fuel: Some high-performance engines, especially those with turbochargers or superchargers, require 91 octane or higher for optimal performance, as recommended in the owner's manual. In this case, switching to 91 will help your engine perform as designed.
- If you experience engine knocking: If you've been using 87 octane and hear knocking or pinging sounds, switching to 91 may help by preventing premature detonation.
- If you just want to switch: If your car doesn't require premium fuel, switching is safe but unlikely to result in a noticeable difference in performance, and it will cost you more at the pump.
What to expect
- If your car is designed for 87 octane: You won't see any performance improvements. Your engine's computer will likely not make any adjustments, and you will simply be paying more for no gain.
- If your car is designed for 91 octane: You may experience a slight improvement in fuel economy, acceleration, and overall engine performance. However, these changes may not be significant enough to justify the higher cost.
What to avoid
- Putting 87 octane in a car that requires 91 octane: This can cause engine knocking and damage the engine over time. If this happens, stop driving and have the car serviced immediately.
- Mixing 87 and 91 octane fuel: While you can mix different octane ratings, the resulting blend will be less effective. For example, mixing 87 and 91 will result in an octane rating of around 89, which may not be enough to prevent knocking in a car that requires premium fuel.
Can I put 91 in my Dodge Charger RT?
Dodge Charger and Challenger: Standard models typically require 87-octane regular unleaded gasoline, providing adequate daily driving performance.
Is it bad to put 91 in a car that takes 87?
No, it is not bad to put 91-octane gasoline in a car that requires 87 octane; it is simply a waste of money because the engine won't get any performance benefit. You will not harm the engine, but you will pay more for the gas without any improvement in power, fuel economy, or performance.
- No performance gain: An engine designed for 87 octane is not built to take advantage of the higher octane in 91-octane fuel. In fact, some engines might even see a slight decrease in performance and fuel economy, though modern cars can usually adjust for the difference.
- Engine cannot use the higher octane: The higher octane rating simply means the fuel is more resistant to knocking, which is what engines designed for premium fuel need to prevent premature detonation. An engine built for 87 octane won't experience this knocking under normal conditions, so the extra resistance is unnecessary.
- Modern engines can handle the change: Modern cars are designed with sensors that can adjust to the fuel's octane level. If you accidentally put 91 in a car that needs 87, the engine's computer will adjust, so there is no risk of damage.
- Best practice: Always check your car's owner's manual for the recommended fuel type, which is usually listed with a minimum octane rating. If the manual says 87 is "recommended," it is fine to use higher octane, but it won't help. If it says 87 is "required," you should not go lower, but using higher is generally safe.
