I'm using premium right now, but the dealer told me I could use regular.87 and it would be fine.

What do you guys use, and why?

The dealer speaketh in error -- the engine was designed for Premium fuel.

To avoid pinging (potentially damaging to the engine), the Audi's computer retards the spark from its optimum setting if it "detects" regular. The result is reduced or eliminated ping (pre-ignition). Additional results, decreased fuel economy and power.

The engine was designed, engineered and built for maximum efficiency with "super" or "premium" fuel.

On a 15 gallon fill-up regular costs $3.00 less.

My dealer says, "it is a false economy to use regular -- don't do it."

92 Premium (the top grade available in Oregon).

And yet, my current Acura TL works perfectly fine with regular gas even though it requires 93 octane according to the manual. I've measured gas mileage and performance across 87-93 octane. While there is an improvement in gas mileage and response with 93, it translated into 1MPG improvement and a slightly more pep over the 87.

In the end, I use 89 as a happy "medium".

read the manual. You can use gas that is not premium in emergencies only. The premium is required because of carbon fouling in the engine. As it was explained to me: "cheaper gas vs. a valve job in 50k-100k miles?" Which one do you think will save you the most money?

On the Illinois side of St. Louis, for the last two+ years, gas stations have started charging 30 cents more for Premium (over regular), and some have the balls to charge 40 cents.

So to lose 1-2mpg over 15 gallons of gas, versus buying another 2 gallons of gas.. the $/mile stays essentially the same.

And yet, my current Acura TL works perfectly fine with regular gas even though it requires 93 octane according to the manual. I've measured gas mileage and performance across 87-93 octane. While there is an improvement in gas mileage and response with 93, it translated into 1MPG improvement and a slightly more pep over the 87.

In the end, I use 89 as a happy "medium".



And you know what kills me? Why do you think you know more than the engineers that put your car together? You don't think that if premium wasn't required that they would just put recommended instead of required? Good luck. This is why I won't buy a used car.

On the Illinois side of St. Louis, for the last two+ years, gas stations have started charging 30 cents more for Premium (over regular), and some have the balls to charge 40 cents.

So to lose 1-2mpg over 15 gallons of gas, versus buying another 2 gallons of gas.. the $/mile stays essentially the same.

If the dollar/mile stays the same, why do you not want buy the highest grade gas?

If the dollar/mile stays the same, why do you not want buy the highest grade gas?

Read my original post.

And you know what kills me? Why do you think you know more than the engineers that put your car together? You don't think that if premium wasn't required that they would just put recommended instead of required? Good luck. This is why I won't buy a used car.

And yet, the engineers themselves will confirm that depending on driving conditions, etc. you don't need premium. It's the same as "change your oil every 3000 miles". Good rule of thumb, but it really depends on your driving style and environmental conditions of where you live, etc.

So my only point is... ignore the manual at your own risk, but it could be that you will do fine not using premium and not doing damage to your car!

91 AKI is the recommended fuel for the 2.0T and 3.2 engines in the A4 for best performance.

The owner's manual specifically states that 87 AKI is the minimum octane rating for those engines.

The only potential price you pay for running less than 91 AKI is a slight decrease in performance and slightly less fuel economy.

87 AKI is perfectly safe for the 2.0T on OEM software.

If you are running aftermarket software the you must run the minimum octane rating for the specific flash.

All that said, I personally use named brand 93 AKI exclusively for the added detergents and slightly increased performance and don't mind paying the higher cost.

If, however, I was stuck in an area where 91AKI was not available, I would feel safe in the knowledge that I could use 87 AKI if I had to.

read the manual. You can use gas that is not premium in emergencies only. The premium is required because of carbon fouling in the engine. As it was explained to me: "cheaper gas vs. a valve job in 50k-100k miles?" Which one do you think will save you the most money?

You'll likely need one anyway. The intake valves on DI engines are prone to getting all gunked up with blow-by from the PCV system. Besides, the car runs like crap on regular.

I do about 30000km a year. I would *save* about $CAD 210 a year if I went from 91 to 87... on a 45k+ car... um ya... well it's your car. I would stick with 91 or better.

STORY: I know of someone who puts in 87 all the time (sometimes 91). I think their B8 has under 10000 kms and you can just see the black soot caking on the tailpipes... Someone else puts in 91 and the pipes are clean clean clean... Just an observation, doesn't necessarily have any merit. Just saying...

Keeping exhaust tips clean is a full time job regardless of fuel used. The only difference is that some guys do that full time job religiously and some do not.

Read my original post.

Do you mean this?
I'm using premium right now, but the dealer told me I could use regular.87 and it would be fine.

What do you guys use, and why?

Your only reason for using lower grade gas is because the dealer told you could, even though your dollar/mile cost would be the same? Does that make sense to you?

Why would anyone use lower than premium? That's just asking for future engine problems.

Keeping exhaust tips clean is a full time job regardless of fuel used. The only difference is that some guys do that full time job religiously and some do not.

That's what I figured... they both don't really clean their cars either...

As Consumer Report says, fuel recommended is different from required. I too have read that the 2.0T can safely run on 87 octane. Having said that, so far I'm using 91 octane. My '02 Jeep GC, 4.7 L V8 HO also says 91 oct recommended but I have been using 87 oct for the past 7 years without a problem.

I use 82 octane that I can get down in Tijuana for pennies on the dollar. Or is that pesos on the....nevermind

92 Premium (the top grade available in Oregon).

Can you guys pump your own gas yet? Or still full service only like NJ?

Can you guys pump your own gas yet? Or still full service only like NJ?


You kidding right :):):):) Pumping your own gas in Oregon is not going to happen ... ever......unless we get rid of these idiots in Salem…..

You kidding right :):):):) Pumping your own gas in Oregon is not going to happen ... ever......unless we get rid of these idiots in Salem…..

Hehe, sorry to hear that. Glad I prompted you to make your 7th post in 1.5 years on AW too. :)

http://www.myreynoldsburgmagazine.com/images/apr09issue/service1.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a61/mantaraggio/wandamotivator.jpg

Can you guys pump your own gas yet? Or still full service only like NJ?

Still full serve, but I've grown to love it. Raining cats and dogs? Just slip your card out the window and stay dry. 2F and windy? Just slip your card out the window and stay warm.

Still full serve, but I've grown to love it. Raining cats and dogs? Just slip your card out the window and stay dry. 2F and windy? Just slip your card out the window and stay warm.
Yep, it is very nice in inclement weather to have somebody else pumping my gas.

Yep, it is very nice in inclement weather to have somebody else pumping my gas.

Especially when you tell them you want premium and they put the regular in you car...

Especially when you tell them you want premium and they put the regular in you car...

That almost never happens. Besides, according to this thread it's okay if it does.

Especially when you tell them you want premium and they put the regular in you car...
I recently sold my 12-year old A4 and I was looking through my records (I record every fill-up in a log). In 12 years I got the wrong grade of gas exactly 3 times.

I'll take the minimal risk of getting the wrong grade in exchange for never standing in the cold or rain. :)

Yep, it is very nice in inclement weather to have somebody else pumping my gas.

Only issue is some pump jockeys haven't caught on that they open the fuel door themselves by pressing on it. Many still ask me to open it from inside and I have to get out anyway and show them how it works.

Does anyone use fuel addictive like Chevron Techron Concentrated Plus from time to time to keep everything clean?

Only issue is some pump jockeys haven't caught on that they open the fuel door themselves by pressing on it. Many still ask me to open it from inside and I have to get out anyway and show them how it works.

You can also just tell them, "Push in on the door and it'll pop open."

Only issue is some pump jockeys haven't caught on that they open the fuel door themselves by pressing on it. Many still ask me to open it from inside and I have to get out anyway and show them how it works.
Actually, I wish the fuel door opened differently. I don't like the idea of having to push on the paint to open the door.

That's likely my brilliant black paranoia talking. :D

Actually, I wish the fuel door opened differently. I don't like the idea of having to push on the paint to open the door.

That's likely my brilliant black paranoia talking. :D

You could mount a white glove dispenser above the fuel door...

Does anyone use fuel addictive like Chevron Techron Concentrated Plus from time to time to keep everything clean?

I live in California where 91 is the highest octane fuel readily available. Using a lesser Octane is permissible in an emergency, but the performance will suffer. The tank should be refilled at halfway to increase the Octane for the balance of the lower Octane fuel. Long term use will lead to premature internal damage due to detonation. I use Chevron a tier one gas because of the detergents in the gas. Chevron gas is trucked to Michigan by automakers for emission testing because it is not available in the local market.

As far as fuel additives go you need to realize that there is no such thing as a "mechanic in a can" that can repair problems, nor is it necessary to use fuel or oil supplements to gain any benefit of longer life or better running.

I know there is a cadre of individuals that swear by Lucas oil additive, or Seafoam, or Amzoil, or BK-44, and even STP. On that list the only one that has a benefit is STP in a very narrow circumstance. When assembling an engine it has been shown that coating bearing surfaces reduces "green run" friction damage caused when the car is first started. MSo2 paste will also accomplish this, but it is not easy to find.

On the other hand Chevron Techron additive is useful to clean the upper cylinder area, but only if it is dirty! Don't use it just to feel better. If you want to feel better, go get a foot massage.

Chevron Techron will clean carbon build up so common in high performance 4 cylinder engines. This Techron is the only additive Mercedes has found to be useful, and allows its use in their cars. I don't have any reason to think Audi is any different. This carbon build up occurs when you buy gasoline that is of lower quality (meaning less detergent additives) usually sold for a lesser price at off brand stations. Now you can get bad gas anywhere, but you are less likely to get it at a top tier brand station.

http://www.toptiergas.com/

Notice that Exxon/Mobil (also sold at Costco) and ARCO/BP are not on the list.

Folks, if you have the scratch to drive an Audi, don't be Uncle Scrooge when it's time to fill up.

On the other hand Chevron Techron additive is useful to clean the upper cylinder area, but only if it is dirty! Don't use it just to feel better. If you want to feel better, go get a foot massage.

Chevron Techron will clean carbon build up so common in high performance 4 cylinder engines. This Techron is the only additive Mercedes has found to be useful, and allows its use in their cars. I don't have any reason to think Audi is any different. This carbon build up occurs when you buy gasoline that is of lower quality (meaning less detergent additives) usually sold for a lesser price at off brand stations. Now you can get bad gas anywhere, but you are less likely to get it at a top tier brand station.



I use Costco 93 octane gas and use a bottle of Chevron Techron every 3000 miles just to clean up the carbon build up if any. It works out pretty well for me.