2025 Badlands question on Full Synthetic Oil and Premium Fuel...

[Bompen]

I had a 2022 Badlands and based on threads here and a bit better MPG for the first 5,000 miles, I elected to run premium fuel as some threads said it was better for the turbo and would make it last longer. Also, I always went with the Ford recommended synthetic blend for oil changes every 5,000 miles, I never had any problems and got around 23-24 MPG overall for 32,000 miles, mostly stop and go around town as I am retired. I am ready for my first oil change and thinking about going with full synthetic which is about $25 more per oil change and I'm still running premium because of the comments here about being best for the turbo. I just want to check again, is premium better for the turbo and should I start with full synthetic as I was told once I changed I could not go back to the blend. Thanks in advance for your comments.

Sponsored

 

[cprcubed]

You won't hurt your turbo by running regular. The engine control programming will adjust for lower octane if needed. I run 93 octane in my 22 1.5L BS since it is available in here in Texas. I notice a little better throttle response (less lag) when doing so. I also run full synthetic oil as well. I think the "once you go syntheti, you can't go back" is a myth (JMO). Cheers!

 

[Bompen]

Thank you

 

[Brent@ANParts]

I have a habit of always running premium in my turbo cars, but a lot of the more modern stuff is designed to handle lower octane numbers. I also don't drive too much so the difference at the pump isn't as drastic. Definitely stick with your oil routine, though!

 

[lil moe]

I have a habit of always running premium in my turbo cars, but a lot of the more modern stuff is designed to handle lower octane numbers. I also don't drive too much so the difference at the pump isn't as drastic. Definitely stick with your oil routine, though!

Can you mix the octanes? Let’s say I have half a tank and decide to use a higher octane will there be a problem, or should I get to almost empty?

 

[cprcubed]

No problem mixing. Cheers!

 

[bryanintowson]

This is my first turbocharged vehicle so I was a bit apprehensive when I first got it. I've owned plenty of naturally aspirated 4s, straight sixes, a single V6 and a couple V8s.

When reading the manual for my Badlands, the book noted that as others have stated here that it will run on 87 however they recommend higher octane and noted that running 87, one could experience occasional knocking. I read that and said no thanks. It's not much more expensive to run premium and I do not want my engine to knock - ever.

As for synthetic oil, it's generally better than dino so go ahead and run it. I do.

I don't buy cars often and I want this to last so I will do my part to avoid unnecessarily stressing the engine.

 

[jkernitzki]

This is my first turbocharged vehicle so I was a bit apprehensive when I first got it. I've owned plenty of naturally aspirated 4s, straight sixes, a single V6 and a couple V8s.

When reading the manual for my Badlands, the book noted that as others have stated here that it will run on 87 however they recommend higher octane and noted that running 87, one could experience occasional knocking. I read that and said no thanks. It's not much more expensive to run premium and I do not want my engine to knock - ever.

As for synthetic oil, it's generally better than dino so go ahead and run it. I do.

I don't buy cars often and I want this to last so I will do my part to avoid unnecessarily stressing the engine.

I’m on my fourth turbo-equipped car and have never had any knocking or other issues running 87 octane. Most of the rentals I’ve driven in the last twenty years (several hundred) were turbos and they all got 87. Not a single problem.

Premium is over 18% more expensive here than regular, so for me anyway, it’s definitely a significant added cost with no equivalent benefit.

 

[kenmitch]

Can you mix the octanes? Let’s say I have half a tank and decide to use a higher octane will there be a problem, or should I get to almost empty?

That's how the mid-grade gasoline is made. Most stations have low and premium tanks, when mid is selected it's blended together.

 

[lil moe]

That's how the mid-grade gasoline is made. Most stations have low and premium tanks, when mid is selected it's blended together.

ok thanks

 

[Ernest T]

Higher octane fuels combust at higher temperatures to stop detonation in high compression engines. In the old days you had to use it or it could destroy your engine. Modern engine management systems will retard ignition timing which will also eliminates detonation. The downside is a commensurate power reduction.

 

[Trist0n]

I stay exactly with what the manual recommends. I run full synthetics in my cars that call for it, and Motorcraft synthetic blend in my Bronco sports because Ford recommends it. They did build the engine so I figure they know a thing or two about its upkeep.

Fuel wise I run regular most of the time, with premium if I’m towing or off-roading. Your engine will automatically adjust based on the fuel type

 

[wireman]

Use a top tier gasoline with 87 octane rating. Ford says 87 is fine so that's what I go with.

I have had 3 Escapes and now the BL with a 2.0L and have always used 87 with no issues.

I use Costco in my area whenever possible.

If I was towing or high-altitude area's I would use 91. JMO.

https://www.toptiergas.com/gasoline-brands/

 

[rugedraw]

I’m on my fourth turbo-equipped car and have never had any knocking or other issues running 87 octane. Most of the rentals I’ve driven in the last twenty years (several hundred) were turbos and they all got 87. Not a single problem.

Premium is over 18% more expensive here than regular, so for me anyway, it’s definitely a significant added cost with no equivalent benefit.

We got 1 mpg more out of a full tank of 93 octane compared to running 87 in ours. 87 it is going forward.

 

[NMhunter]

My problem is that regular gas here in Albuquerque is 86 octane. Next grade up at Costco is 91. I watched a video that said you could get away with lower octane if you drive easy or aren't towing.

You can get away with lower octane at altitude, but turbos are different. I once drove an old Chevy truck from 7000 feet to 735 feet, and my truck knocked badly. Back then, I could still hear knocking.

Sponsored