rycelover

Just picked up a new SQ5 this week and was wondering how much of real world difference will 93 octane gas have over 91 or 87 in terms of gas mileage and performance? Does it really matter which one to use?

I'm cheap and would like to stay that way.

andrios

I would recommend using "TOP TIER" fuel stations.

Top Tier Gasoline

All grades should be "Top Tier"

Me personally, I wouldn't put 87 octane in a performance engine...

BillBoost37

The biggest piece of learning that I found when moving to a forced induction engine years back was that a higher octane helps deter predetonation. Predetonation is a killer for an engine.

Meaning.. you will want to read up on the octane benefits vs the issues not having it could cause. Our motors likely have a lot of timing added in, that plus higher compression and you have the right situation for predetonation.

The few extra cents per gallon are priceless in most cases vs the cost of a new engine. I am currently dealing with additive issues here in MA. When the string trimmer and leave blower will run poorly and bog, it has me wondering how the car is disliking all the ethanol etc.

uberwgn

Ryce, you bought the wrong car.


There are hundreds of threads on this discussion already. The engine mfr recommends 91 or better.

Coolieman1220

If you're cheap then why'd you buy a 60k vehicle when you could have bought a much cheaper one? and it would have been fine to put 87 regular in it.

putting 93 ends up costing $4 or so more a fill up? Skip out on starbucks once a week and you won't even notice it.

scrmorling

Congrats on the new SQ5. Now treat her nicely including premium gas and enjoy. Steve

IntheQ5

Its ok the engine will detune to the lower octane. For example: 400hp stock will detune to 300 donkey power.
Anyways , cars have had knock sensor since forever. Most people who lease thier turbo cars used 87 and its still ok and cpo'ed after they turned it in. No big deal.

stix

Sorry...we can argue a list of reasons why this is bad advice, and without listing the usual technical reasons. But an obvious question is why not follow the engine builders' suggestions ? For a few dollars...I mean, like a FEW ?
As already inferred, this is classic 'penny wise, pound foolish' thinking regardless of an owned or leased vehicle.

NorthValley

Any advice that tells you not to follow manufacturers recommendations is nearly always BAD advice!

Q5 Bob

Make that thousands of threads. All very similar.