I'm sure you can. To be safe, check your owners manual or look at your fuel door or glove box for this information.
2007-03-17 02:55:49
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answer #1
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answered by Lab 7
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Here is the final say on this problem, to clear it up once and for all (at least for those that read it)
You do not need 90 octane fuel (assuming you live in an area like utah that has 86,88,90)
Octane is a measurement by the rate of which gasoline ignites
The higher the octane, the SLOWER it ignites
Why do high performance cars need higher octane?
Because they usually have extremely high compression (turbocharged, supercharged or high compression pistons) and need a gasoline that won't explode immediately under that high pressure until the spark plug is programmed to ignite the air/fuel mixture. If you put in low octane gas into an engine that requires premium, you will get what is called "knock" the technical name of this is called pre-detonation. Predetonation is bad because it can cause the air/fuel mixture to "explode" (that's what your engine does after all, creates mini explosions) and the explosion will have nowhere to expand, thus, blowing holes in your engine.
Now what does putting a high octane gasoline in your low compression car do?
First off, remember how I said that high octane burns slower, well esentially, when it is sprayed in your cylinders, and the spark ignites it, the explosion hasn't fully materialized by time the exhaust valves open, you are therefore, losing that valuable pressure (that pushes down harder on the pistons to the crankshaft, thus creating more horsepower and torque) right out into your exhaust manifold. Also, with that decreased amount of explosion, your engine computer might sense that the engine is underpowered and will send a signal to your fuel injectors to stay open longer, to spray more fuel. This will increase gas mileage. ON TOP of all of that, with unburnt fuel entering your exhaust system, it could very well get trapped in your catalytic converter, causing excessive heat, and melt the metal substrate, effectively destroying your cat.
So what effect will putting a higher level octane in a car?
Lower gas mileage
Increased emissions (unburnt fuel)
decreased performance
more chance for catalytic convertor failure (OEM replacements run $500 and up)
And while I'm at it, folks, don't buy cheapy ebay catalytic convertors, they aren't even the real thing and will fail any emissions test due to the construction of them.
That's all I have, i hope you're all better educated now!
2007-03-17 11:28:07
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answer #2
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answered by Mike F 2
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Your car will run just fine on 90 octane gas, but it is a waste of money. High-octane fuel is meant for high-performance engines. Your car probably takes 87 octane gas. As expensive as gas is, I wouldn't recommend spending the extra money on higer octane gas unless your car needs it.
2007-03-17 02:56:53
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answer #3
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answered by lj1 7
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why would you want to? is it high performance? if not your wasting good money for nothing, you will not see any difference in performance as the computer regulates that and the higher octane gas is no better for your engine.
2007-03-17 14:32:33
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answer #4
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answered by mister ss 7
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Well... I would say you can and it is recommended because the later 90s models can use a cleaner burning fuel.
2007-03-17 03:01:52
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answer #5
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answered by Lacieles 6
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Yes.
2007-03-17 02:58:22
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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i would suggest using 95+ to avoid problems with performance
2007-03-17 03:06:26
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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sure but wasting your money ...will not help any....cars computer was set up for 87 so why spend the extra money?
2007-03-17 04:41:44
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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CAN you? Yes. Do you NEED to? No.
2007-03-17 02:55:48
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answer #9
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answered by Doug K 5
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