What kind of gas does a 2014 Subaru Forester take?
As a trusted auto service provider with years of experience in car maintenance and repair, I often get questions about the type of fuel specific vehicles require. One common inquiry is about the 2014 Subaru Forester. In this article, I’ll provide a detailed explanation to help you fuel your Forester correctly and keep it running smoothly.
Recommended Fuel for the 2014 Subaru Forester
The 2014 Subaru Forester is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. This applies to most trims and engine configurations of the Forester, including the base models and those equipped with the 2.5-liter engine. Using regular unleaded gas ensures optimal performance and fuel efficiency without causing unnecessary strain on the engine.
What About the Turbocharged Models?
If your 2014 Subaru Forester is equipped with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine (commonly found in the XT trims), Subaru recommends using premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. The higher octane fuel is necessary to prevent engine knocking and to support the increased performance demands of the turbocharged engine.
Why Is Using the Correct Fuel Important?
Using the recommended type of gasoline for your vehicle is crucial for several reasons:
- Engine Performance: The engine is calibrated to run on a specific octane level. Using the wrong fuel can lead to reduced performance and efficiency.
- Preventing Engine Damage: Lower octane fuel in a turbocharged engine can cause knocking, which may lead to long-term engine damage.
- Fuel Economy: Using the correct fuel ensures that your Forester operates at its peak efficiency, saving you money at the pump.
Tips for Fueling Your 2014 Subaru Forester
Here are some tips to keep in mind when fueling your Forester:
- Always check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s fuel recommendations.
- If you’re unsure whether your Forester has a turbocharged engine, look for the XT badge on the rear of the vehicle or consult a trusted mechanic.
- Avoid using fuels with ethanol content higher than 10% (E10), as they may not be compatible with your vehicle.
- Stick to reputable gas stations to ensure you’re getting high-quality fuel.
Conclusion
To summarize, the 2014 Subaru Forester with a standard engine requires regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane), while the turbocharged XT models need premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane). Using the correct fuel type is essential for maintaining your vehicle’s performance, efficiency, and longevity. If you have any further questions about your Forester or need assistance with maintenance, feel free to reach out to us at Kevin’s Autos. We’re here to help!
Frequently Asked Questions
What gas should I put in my Subaru Forester?
For optimum engine performance and driveability, it is required that you use premium grade unleaded gasoline. NOTE: Be sure to use premium unleaded gasoline of 91 AKI or higher for a 2.5-liter turbo engine model.
Can I put 88 gas in my Subaru Forester?
If you drive a Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, Legacy or Ascent, your vehicle is designed to run on 87 octane, or regular fuel. Performance Subaru models – the WRX, WRX STI and BRZ – have a premium fuel requirement, but even with those vehicles, check your manual for information on which fuels are appropriate.
Is it bad if I put 89 instead of 87?
The primary consideration is whether your car requires premium gasoline. If it does, you should use 87-octane only in an emergency. Otherwise, you risk hurting your engine. If your vehicle doesn't require premium gasoline, 89-octane will work just fine.
Can you use 89 instead of 87?
If you opt for a higher octane than your manual recommends—say, 89 instead of 87—your car will be perfectly fine. It will not, however, improve your car's mileage or give it any sort of extra performance boost. The only thing it will do is cost you extra money, so don't do this.
Can I put 93 octane in my Subaru?
The more expensive, higher 92 or 93-octane unleaded gas doesn't make your Subaru perform better unless you own a Subaru WRX or BRZ. Which Fuel Is Best? If you drive a Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Ascent, Impreza, or Legacy, your vehicle is designed to run on 87-octane or regular fuel.
How do I know if my car needs regular or premium gas?
Check your owner's manual to see which gas type your manufacturer recommends for your specific car make and model. Note that the definition/label for premium gas can differ from state to state and station to station.
Can I put 89 gas in my Subaru?
87 or 89 will be enough for it. Putting in 91 or higher won't make a difference.
What is the most common problem with the 2014 Subaru Forester?
The 2014-2018 Subaru Foresters' common problems include failure-prone transmission, burning oil, rear spring failure and short-lived wheel bearings. Most of these problems are worse for earlier model years - 2014s in particular.
Does my Subaru need premium gas?
On ordinary Subaru family vehicles like the Ascent and Forester, regular gas is all you'll need. However, the engines found in the Subaru BRZ, the Subaru WRX, and the Subaru WRX STI are built for higher compression with a powerful turbocharger -- as a result, regular fuel can be problematic in these engines.
Can I put 85 octane in my Subaru?
You don't have to buy the more expensive grades. In the higher-elevation states of Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah, you can buy 85-octane gasoline. In other areas of the country, your Subaru model is designed to run on 87 octane.
