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

[Wotan]

Here is some advise from the The Car Guy:

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[Ernest T]

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.

The octane is lower as you go up in altitude because there's less chance of detonation in the thinner air. It's not a question that has one hard and fast answer.

 

[Wotan]

I have a 2023 Bronco Sport Badlands. Here is what my owner's manual states:


"Your vehicle is designed to operate on regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
Some fuel stations, particularly those in high altitude areas, offer fuels posted as regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating below 87. The use of these fuels could result in engine damage that will not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
For best overall vehicle and engine performance, premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The performance gained by using premium fuel is most noticeable in hot weather as well as other conditions, for example when towing a trailer. See Towing.
Do not be concerned if the engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if the engine knocks heavily while using fuel with the recommended octane rating, contact an authorized dealer to prevent any engine damage.
We recommend Top Tier detergent gasolines, where available to help minimize engine deposits and maintain optimal vehicle and engine performance. For additional information, refer to www.toptiergas.com."

I follow the recommendation and use premium gas.

 

[BLUEOVALRACER]

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

Correct a Tanker Truck Driver filling the Tanks at a BP station told me that years ago when I asked about 87,89 and 93 Octane Gas.

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