jjlee

Strange
It runs 300 miles ( about 14 gallon everytime, so it end up 21 mpg, 50:50 highway and traffice, same route everyday ) with 89 octane compare to 250 miles with 93. ?????
Anyone had a similar experience? So curious???

Few days ago, I start to realize my car runs somewhat different than before.
Actually my wife is driving our car most of time for commute and shopping. By the way, it runs much smoother than before, quite, and has strong kick on accelerator.

I asked to my wife, what did you do? Answer was surprised, she start to fill 89 octane rather than 93 that we used to fill, she thought it will save some gas money.

Well, fact is fact, truth is truth... I fill the gas with 89 and did test for a week. Mileage is better, smooth, quite... What is going on here......................

hemants

lower octane = knock sensors force retard in timing = better fuel economy

but i you wanted the performance of a 4 banger, you should have bought one :-)

fsttyms1

not necessarily true. more spark retarded less efficant the engine. i got worse on 89 and 87. more likely its the fact your no longer running a winter blend fuel

SatinSilverTypS

iTrader: (1)

yes you will get better mileage on 87, but that is because of it's combustion characteristics. it burns differently (as in speed and temperature).

but as we know you will sacrifice performance. in the end it's your call. just be careful with that precious tl

SSTS

billmatt

Boy, I'm going to have to buy some of that Virginia 89 Octane gas for my 2003 TLS. When I burn California 89 Octane, my car runs like s@#t! When I burn 91 Octane, it runs sweet!

youngTL

I think it's best to use the recommended grade for your engine, not higher and not lower. I've tried all 3 grades available (87,89, and 91) and using 91 nets me both the best fuel economy and power. 87 caused engine knocking so I had to use octane boost to fix that on that tank...

orcaatk

What station did you go to? (Like, where in FFx?) I can tell the difference between 93 octane from the Sheetz on 50 and Shell on 50 - I've never even considered putting 89 in.

T Ho

Ding ding ding! Oxygenated fuels cost 10-15% mileage, on average (this has been my measured experience, in several vehicles).

kennelm

Anyone know when that cut-over occurs in the mid-Atlantic region (VA)?

RevinV12s

Uh may I ask a noob queation?

What is winter blend fuel?

Does it give better performance?
Cuz im experiencing reduction of gasmilage also...

Im always fuelling Sunoco 94 Ultra...

jjlee

It is Sunoco at Leehighway across the Lotte Plaza ( Korean super market ) Fairfax. That place is also cheapest in that area.

fsttyms1

winter blend has different additives for the cold and stuff. no it usually gives you worse mileage, hence the reason you would see worse mileage in the winter. i wouldnt waste my money on 94, if you can get 91 use that and see how it runs and your mileage