In my area, some gas stations are now using a 10% ethanol blend in their "winter formula." Does this have any implications for my 2007 - 3.0 Outback engine? Should I look for a brand that does not add ethanol? The octane rating is supposedly not altered by the ethanol, but the added ethanol is supposed to prevent gas line freezing problems.
2007-02-13 14:27:12 · 3 answers · asked by Jess 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Subaru
I'm answering my own question for the benefit and interest of others, including my well-informed answers.
At first, I just checked the "Gas Station Reference" on the back page of my owner's manual, but there was no mention of ethanol - only octane.
Now I see on page 7-4 where it says:
"Many fuels are now blended with ... ethanol (ethyl or grain alcohol) and may be used with your vehicle, but should contain no more than ... 10% ethanol for the proper operation of your Subaru."
SO, I guess 10% is officially okay and using it will not void the warranty.
Thanks for your input. I'll leave this question up for a couple more days, just since I brought up the topic.
2007-02-14 11:12:26 · update #1
If it is just 10% and the octane is 91 or higher there should be no problem. You don't want to use it all the time because it may void your Subaru warranty. Check your owners manual for this info. I used to work as a service adviser in Subaru shops before my accident.
2007-02-14 10:41:43 · answer #1 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ten percent ethanol should not be a problem. Most engines can run up to twenty percent without modification.
2007-02-14 08:09:05 · answer #2 · answered by johndeereman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No effect other than raising the octane rating (not a bad thing).
2007-02-13 22:30:50 · answer #3 · answered by Lab 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋