will using a lower grade gas hurt the car?
2007-02-04 07:34:00 · 13 answers · asked by crft_krn 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Pontiac
Your car is supercharged, and will need premium gas to prevent damage.
A few more dollars each time you get gas is ALOT cheaper than buying a new engine.
check out the message board / forum on clubgp.com for any other questions related to your Grand Prix.
2007-02-04 15:00:01 · answer #1 · answered by Kyle H 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most modern vehicles have knock sensors that will retard the timing of the engine if premature detonation occurs ( this is what happens when you use a lower grade of fuel than the engine is designed to use.) this is designed to prevent damage to the engine. However, if you use a lower grade of fuel than the engine is designed to handle and drive the car aggressively you run the risk of seriously damaging the engine. using a lower grade of gas should not do much damage if you drive the vehicle normally, from my experience. but if you feel like raggin the vehicle out once in a while, make sure you fill the tank with the proper grade of gas. you can also put regular gas in the car and then add an octane booster to increase the fuels octane rating, but this may not be economical so just do the math.
2007-02-04 07:43:32 · answer #2 · answered by Ksyrium 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
While some will say use 87 anyway, what will it cost to replace you engine. Put the right gas in, you can find the right octane rating in you owner's manual. Depending on your driving habits, you may not hear the detonation while you drive. A silent way to blow your ride, and bottom line will cost you more than the premium.
2007-02-04 13:22:06 · answer #3 · answered by clowdy4 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Why not follow your owner's manual? If 87 octane is the minimum recommended; then use it. If you are having problems with pre-ignition or "pinging", then immediately move to a higher octane gasoline. Switching to a higher grade gasoline may avoid the pinging and possible damage to your engine's cylinder heads. This is assuming that your car is tuned and the ignition timing is properly adjusted. A higher grade of gasoline may help your car's performance, especially with your supercharged engine. It's your call, choose wisely.
2016-03-29 04:48:56 · answer #4 · answered by Whitney 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes! My friend has one and only puts supreme. It's even written in the manual.
If you were able to buy a gtp 2004, you shouldn't be worrying about the price of gas between normal and supreme. Use supreme.
2007-02-04 07:40:09 · answer #5 · answered by Aquila 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have a '98 Grand Prix SE (3.8L V-6) I use only regular gas, check your manual and look for the recomended gas to use, that's your best option. If you can't find it, consult your GM dealer, they should be happy to point you in the right direction.
2007-02-04 14:16:45 · answer #6 · answered by Daremo 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Check you auto manual for any of this type information from what kind of gas to use to the correct tire pressure.
And yes, if you don't use the minimum recommended grade you can cause damage.
2007-02-06 12:10:51 · answer #7 · answered by DianA 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but don't worry you still get 28 mpg and have the power of a smaller V8. I know because I probably made your engine. This motor is made in Flint, MI in factory 36.
2007-02-04 08:09:17 · answer #8 · answered by ? 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Does the car manual say you have to use premium gas? If it doesn't then use regular 87 octane gas. There is not much of a difference other than the price. Gas is not cheap these days & using premuim is a waste of your money. Your car will drive to the same on regular with no problems.
2007-02-04 07:42:07 · answer #9 · answered by lbrady444 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋
No matter what any literature says about the grade of fuel to use on your grand prix, go ahead and try the lower grades of fuel. If it runs OK and doesn't have excessive spark knock then keep on using it. I doubt very seriously that you'll do any damage!
2007-02-04 08:57:47 · answer #10 · answered by Mr. Badwrench 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋