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What about fuel types & gas mileage?

297 messages,  Last post on Jan 20, 2013 at 2:20 PM

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What is this discussion about? Engine, Fuel System

Messages Page 1 of 30

#1 of 297 What about fuel types? by jaydh

Sep 01, 2003 (4:56 pm)

My Thousand Oaks Infiniti rep suggested using supreme for the first two to three tank fills and then going to mid grade thereafter. Our driving will be city and freeway with no unnecessary quick starts and no unnecessary quick stops. We have a 6 speed stick G35coupe.

#2 of 297 Use what your manual states, don't vary... by zueslewis

Sep 01, 2003 (7:21 pm)

Your salesguy isn't responsible for the warranty maintenance and performance of your car, you are...

#3 of 297 Fuel Grades by pscheid

Sep 02, 2003 (5:17 am)

I have read articles in car mags and consumer reports on this topic that suggest on most cars using a lower than mfg.suggested octane fuel is not a problem. The antiknock sensor eliminates preignition (detonation) to protect the engine, so no knock. A byproduct is a falloff in power and a slight reduction in fuel mileage. Road & Track Tech Tidbits suggested that the $ savings going to a lower than suggested octane is offset by the reduction in mileage......you get to drive with slightly less power for the same price. Doesn't sound like a bargain to me.

#4 of 297 I have a 2003 PT Cruiser GT by zueslewis

Sep 02, 2003 (8:31 am)

with the 2.4 turbocharged engine. Premium is "recommended". Being an experienced car guy, I figured "what the heck" and used 87 and 89 at first. When I switched back to 91-93, I couldn't believe the difference. There was about a 5-10% power increase and a 2-3 mpg average increase in mileage.
 
It makes a difference to me!

#5 of 297 the oil companies don't own the car companies....yet by swschrad

Sep 02, 2003 (7:09 pm)

and so I would tend to believe that after doing testing nine ways from Sunday on engines and applications (the Four in a focus will perform differently than the same Four in an F350 with duallies in back ), the car companies have a leg to stand on in recommending a particular grade of gas.
 
depart at your peril. also known as, You Too can have an Audi that runs like a Yugo... just run it on 87 octane.

#6 of 297 gas grade by neptungrll

Sep 07, 2003 (4:13 pm)

I have had my G35 for over a year, 15,332 miles and I have NEVER put anything but 93 in it. It is worth it to me.

#7 of 297 I have never understood by tboner

Sep 08, 2003 (3:23 am)

why someone who spends 30 Large on a car is concerned with the extra $0.20/gallon for 91-93 vs the normal 87 octane fuel.
 
If you are getting anywhere close to 20MPG, then you are really talking only about $0.01/mile more
 
Over 100K miles, you are talking about all of $1000 in added costs.
 
Heck, why complain about fuel prices at all.
 
Same 100K period, same 20MPG and $2/gallon fuel, you will pay $10K in total fuel costs.
 
You still paid more than that for the vehicle...
 
TB

#8 of 297 I don't understand... by corvette

Sep 08, 2003 (5:49 pm)

...why, with all the technological advances in cars today, why premium is still called for in applications that do not have a turbo or supercharger. Generally, it is "premium" cars like Infiniti or Lexus which call for it, but it seems as if they could design their cars to run on regular grade, even if it meant a slight decrease in horsepower. The GM Northstar engines no longer require premium, and they made this change with no perceptible decrease in horsepower. I find it ironic that although Lexus cars are designed to minimize vehicle-induced irritation, they require premium fuel. How irritating!

#9 of 297 so find out who the engine design lead was, and write 'em at home by swschrad

Sep 08, 2003 (8:58 pm)

fact is the automaker decided that they wanted higher octane fuel, designed for it, and you bought the car. you didn't ask enough questions if you're not happy with the results.

#10 of 297 Sheesh... by corvette

Sep 09, 2003 (7:39 pm)

I was just lamenting that it seems inappropriate for a family car like the Camry V6, Sienna, Maxima, or Altima 3.5 to demand premium fuel. I suppose that in higher echelons such as Lexus, buyers expect these ongoing expenses.

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