Filling up at the pump is getting more expensive every day. Porsche owners using premium high-octane gasoline can attest to this. Sometimes regular gas is so much cheaper than premium it feels like it's worth the risk. That begs the question, can Porsche use regular gas octane? The official Porsche answer and unofficial Porsche specialist answers are here:
What Engineers at Porsche think:
Premium fuels required by Porsche models range between 91-94 octane. The higher the rating, the more the fuel can withstand higher pressures before combustion.
91-94 octane = good
87-90 octane = bad
Lower octane fuels start at 87-90 and can't handle the high-pressure environments of Porsche engines. This can cause pre-ignition or engine "knocks" that can damage your engine over time.
What Porsche Mechanics at Chariots of Simcoe think:
Engine knock sensors were introduced in the mid-1980s. Your Porsche will adjust the timing of your engine for a couple hundred kilometers if a knock is detected. You can also do an engine reset to return the timing to default settings. If your Porsche is a pre-1986 model contact us.
"Using regular octane fuel won't harm your Porsche engine if you are driving normally. Don't over-rev and you'll be fine for one tank."
Premium high-octane gasoline doesn't make a difference until you red-line your Porsche. As long as you aren't racing on 87 octane or making it a weekly habit to fuel up with regular octane gas, your Porsche engine won't need a rebuild any time soon.
European and North American Octane Differences
Even Sati the head Porsche mechanic at Chariots of Simcoe would agree Porsches drive faster on the German autobahn. But it's not because of the perceived higher quality fuels found in European petrol stations. This is due to different measurement standards.
Europe vs North America octane comparison:
EU 98 = 92-93 octane
EU 95 = 90-91 octane
European "octane" is not the actual fuel composition, it's the measurement determined in the lab. North American octane measurements are based on the average ratings at the pump and inside the engine.
Why Porsches Should Only Use Premium Gas
If you filled up your Porsche with regular gas because you own another car that takes regular and forgot what you were driving. It was accidental. You were stranded and that was your only option. Or you just couldn't resist that lower price tag... make sure it only happens once.
Even though Porsches can handle 87-90 octane doesn't mean they should run on it "regularly". To maximize the longevity of your Porsche engine always fill up with the recommended 91-94 octane premium gasoline.
To ensure your Porsche lasts even longer, you can also drive over to Chariots of Simcoe Porsche specialists for all your Porsche service and repair maintenance needs. Especially if you've been filling up with regular petrol!
Chariots of Simcoe Porsche mechanic shop is located in downtown Orangeville, Ontario providing Porsche service, Porsche repair, Porsche upgrades, and free estimates for Porsche specialists, owners, and enthusiasts in Canada. Give us a drive today!
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