Why does Ford recommend premium fuel?
As a trusted auto service provider with years of experience in car maintenance and repair, I often get asked about fuel recommendations for specific vehicles. One common question is why Ford, in some cases, recommends premium fuel for certain models. In this article, I’ll break down the reasons behind this recommendation and how it can impact your vehicle's performance and longevity.
Understanding Premium Fuel
Premium fuel typically has a higher octane rating compared to regular gasoline. Octane is a measure of a fuel's ability to resist "knocking" or "pinging" during combustion, caused by the air-fuel mixture detonating prematurely in the engine. Premium fuel is often rated at 91 or higher, while regular gasoline usually has an octane rating of 87.
Why Ford Recommends Premium Fuel
Ford recommends premium fuel for certain vehicles for several key reasons:
- High-Performance Engines: Many Ford vehicles equipped with turbocharged or high-compression engines, such as those in the EcoBoost lineup, are designed to operate optimally with premium fuel. The higher octane helps these engines achieve maximum power and efficiency.
- Improved Engine Efficiency: Premium fuel allows for more precise combustion, which can improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions in engines designed for it.
- Preventing Engine Knock: Using lower-octane fuel in an engine designed for premium can lead to knocking, which over time can cause damage to engine components.
- Maximizing Performance: For drivers who want to experience the full performance capabilities of their Ford vehicle, premium fuel is often necessary. This is especially true for sports cars like the Ford Mustang or high-performance SUVs like the Ford Explorer ST.
What Happens If You Use Regular Gasoline?
While many Ford vehicles that recommend premium fuel can technically run on regular gasoline, there are trade-offs to consider:
- Reduced Performance: The engine may not deliver its full horsepower and torque potential when using regular fuel.
- Lower Fuel Efficiency: Regular gasoline can lead to less efficient combustion, meaning you may need to refuel more often.
- Potential Long-Term Damage: Prolonged use of lower-octane fuel in an engine designed for premium can lead to knocking, which may cause wear and tear over time.
How to Know If Your Ford Needs Premium Fuel
To determine whether your Ford vehicle requires or recommends premium fuel, check the owner’s manual or the label inside the fuel door. If it states "premium fuel required," you must use it to avoid potential engine damage. If it says "premium fuel recommended," you can use regular gasoline, but premium is advised for optimal performance.
Conclusion
Ford's recommendation for premium fuel is rooted in the design and performance needs of their high-performance engines. While it may cost more at the pump, using premium fuel can help ensure your vehicle runs smoothly, efficiently, and at its best. If you’re unsure about the right fuel for your Ford, feel free to reach out to your trusted auto service provider for guidance. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re always here to help you keep your car in top shape!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ford recommend premium gas?
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.
Does Ford recommend Top Tier gas?
Automakers Recommend
The number of sponsors has grown over the years and now includes BMW, General Motors, Stellantis, Ford, Honda, Daimler Truck, Toyota, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Navistar and Audi.
Is it better to use 91 octane instead of 87?
Yes, you can use 91 octane gasoline instead of 87 octane. Higher octane fuel can provide better performance and efficiency in some vehicles, particularly those designed for premium fuel.
Does premium gas get better mileage?
No, any fuel efficiency gained using premium fuel would stem from engine performance, not the gas itself. Buying premium gas won't have you visiting a gas station any less frequently, especially with a standard engine not designed to take advantage of premium gas.
Is there a downside to using premium gas?
What happens if you use premium gas instead of regular? The only thing that will happen if you use premium gas in an engine designed for regular fuel is that you'll spend more money, according to Cars.com. An engine that runs on regular gas will not perform better because you put premium gas in the tank.
Why does Ford recommend BP fuel?
A message from Ford
With all this clever technology, it's doubly amazing that our engines are also more reliable than ever. “So it really doesn't make sense to put anything in them that will stop them from doing their best. BP Ultimate works in harmony with our engines, keeping vital components clean and protected.
What happens if you put 93 gas in an 87 car?
Engine computers can usually adjust their timing to account for the increased octane levels, so if you put premium gas in a regular car, you probably won't notice anything. However, some engines are not designed to burn higher-octane fuel, and you may see a reduction in performance and fuel economy.
Does premium fuel actually make a difference?
Regular petrol might offer more power
Usually ethanol delivers slightly higher efficiency," says Guohong. So regular fuel might actually provide more power than premium petrol, despite claims to the contrary. However, there are additives in premium petrol that can promote combustion.
What happens if you accidentally put 91 instead of 87?
The majority of engines require 87. However, if you put 91 into one of these cars, then your vehicle will still operate adequately. Some vehicles, such as sports and vintage cars, call for 91. If you put 87 into the system of one of these high-performance vehicles, then the engine is not going to break down.
What brand of fuel does Ford recommend?
Gasoline. For most Ford vehicles, regular unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 87 will work fine and won't damage your engine, as long as you use a blend with a maximum of 15 percent ethanol.
