2007-03-02 15:49:10 · 7 answers · asked by martin k 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Most modern cars are equipped with at least one knock sensor which will detect detonation and quickly retard the timing, preventing further detonation. Yours is almost certainly equipped.
So can it hurt your engine? Not if the knock sensor works. Will it help you save money at the pump? No. Retarding the timing reduces the power output of the engine. The power is reduced while consuming the same amount of fuel so you'll have to up the fuel in order to make the power required to, say, maintain 60mph. So, because of the onboard computer, you're likely to actually consume more fuel in your effort to save a few bucks during a fillup.
2007-03-02 16:01:48 · answer #1 · answered by Jason h 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Around Cinci, O there is only 20 cents differance in regular and premium. $10 worth of gas amounts to a $2 savings. 20 gal amounts to a $4 savings. If the manufacturer says use premium then use it. Cause by using lower octane gas does and will hurt the engine,O2 ,knock& ,I can't think of the other sensor name . You spent the money for the car,so why not give it what it needs to perform and maintain some expensive sensors affected by saving a couple of bucks not to mention burnt valves and seats
2007-03-02 16:44:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unless it states Super Premium, you can use 89 Octane without any problem. 87 Octane is going to hurt performance in your car and you are going to hear knocking and pinging in your engine. BUT more importantly in the long run it is going to damage your engine. My recommendation is to use 89 and be happy in the long term.
2007-03-02 16:02:43 · answer #3 · answered by Soho 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try it. If the engine goes ping ping ping when you step on the gas hard, try 89.
I have a Yukon, it runs fine on 87.
2007-03-02 15:54:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go by manufacturers recommendation.
Risking a 15000 plus car to save 30 cents a gallon, false economy.
2007-03-02 15:53:17 · answer #5 · answered by mdk 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would follow the manufactures specs. There is a censor in there that they can tell if you use improper fuel and it can void your warranty. Better safe than sorry with a new car.
2007-03-02 15:58:58 · answer #6 · answered by Nana 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but you will have less power and use more of the cheaper fuel. Doesn't seem to me to make economic sense.
2007-03-02 16:58:57 · answer #7 · answered by luther 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋