Fuel Type

[franksfords]

I've used 93 octane in my 2018 Explore since I bought it in early 2020. Owners manual states 87 is acceptable but recommends premium. Well I was just scrolling through my 2023 F150 with 2.7 manual and found the same information. I've been using premium in it also. I'm sure most of you know this and many run 87 without issues. I'd just haven't read it in the owners manual until today.

For best overall vehicle and engine
performance, premium fuel with an octane
rating of 91 or higher is recommended.

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[PatchManager]

The Motor Oil Geek suggests there is a difference because of the additional additives in the premium fuel -- at least in some brands of premium fuel.

 

[My 2ND Ford]

I've used 93 octane in my 2018 Explore since I bought it in early 2020. Owners manual states 87 is acceptable but recommends premium. Well I was just scrolling through my 2023 F150 with 2.7 manual and found the same information. I've been using premium in it also. I'm sure most of you know this and many run 87 without issues. I'd just haven't read it in the owners manual until today.

For best overall vehicle and engine
performance, premium fuel with an octane
rating of 91 or higher is recommended.

I own 2 vehicles that require premium , my BMW motorcycle and my Ski-Doo snowmobile. Both state premium is required. My 3.5 eco F-150, my 2 Volvo with a 3.0 inline 6, turbo recommends premium, but they run fine on regular. 34,000 on the truck, over 100,000 on the Volvos with no problems. Gas is just too expensive to put premium in. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Ricksc]

On my 3.5 I run premium. It’s going to be a personal choice. Runs fine on either.

 

[zx6roclet]

91 acceleration is notably better. 87 for na low compression blocks

 

[jhelrey]

In my snowmobile, it's a noticeable difference. I don't really pick up on it in the truck.

 

[cheesedogf150]

87 for my PB, when towing it gets 91

 

[Sig Oris]

a few local CITGO stations are now selling 90 octane ETHANOL FREE and I've picked up almost 3MPG. YES, I KNOW, its because its because its CORN FREE

 

[andy18_00]

I have run 91 Ethanol Free in my truck since I got it. For the price difference here in Missouri it is worth it to me.

 

[HammaMan]

Shell premium has the best additive package in it. I run 93e0 when I'm able to make it to the fuel depot with 3oz of techron added. Sometimes I'll blend w/ e85 to create a 96e25.

 

[jenjeneer]

It really depends on the brand and fuel, to be honest.

Companies can increase octane (the AKI / # on the pump) various ways. Ethanal is an octane booster. Aromatics are an octane booster. Both have drawbacks. Some brands will blend in additives to mitigate the deposits you can get in your intake and injectors from higher aromatics.

Ethanol is an octane booster but has a lower energy content, thus you may get more mileage out of a non-ethanol grade. It is important to understand the octane requirement of your engine as well. While your engine may adjust to a lower octane fuel (by pulling timing or adding more fuel) to prevent engine damage, you may consume more fuel.

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