SPL Tech Posted April 12, 2015 Report Share Posted April 12, 2015 In a number of states, mostly NV, UT and CO, only 85 and 91 octane is available. So far I have been going with 3 gallons of 91 and 10 gallons of 85 to kind of get 86-87, but it's annoying. Can I just use straight 85? I mean, everyone pretty much uses 85 in those states and I have not heard of any issues so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
obob Posted April 12, 2015 Report Share Posted April 12, 2015 Basically I don't know for sure but it may be fine. "The most typically used engine management systems found in automobiles today have a knock sensor that monitors if knock is being produced by the fuel being used. In modern computer controlled engines, the ignition timing will be automatically altered by the engine management system to reduce the knock to an acceptable level" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raadsel Posted April 12, 2015 Report Share Posted April 12, 2015 (edited) Most of the stations I recall in Utah had a mid-grade, that was around 87 octane -- though not all stations will have it. The reason for the 85 octane is because running a slightly lower octane, at high altitudes, compensates for the thinner air. You'll likely be fine running the 85 octane but, since 87 is recommended even at altitude, you might use the GasBuddy app or website (or similar) to find stations that sell mid grade gasoline in your area. Edited April 12, 2015 by raadsel obob and ptjones 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hybridbear Posted April 12, 2015 Report Share Posted April 12, 2015 I experimented with this during our road trip. The car adjusts the spark based on octane & air entering the engine. You can find my observations about how the car behaves with different octanes of fuel and while at different elevations in this thread: http://fordfusionhybridforum.com/topic/9689-road-trip-observations-with-torque-pro/ Unfortunately from my iPhone I can't figure out how to link to a specific post for you. But the octane observations are on pages 1 & 2 I think. obob 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevedebi Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 In a number of states, mostly NV, UT and CO, only 85 and 91 octane is available. So far I have been going with 3 gallons of 91 and 10 gallons of 85 to kind of get 86-87, but it's annoying. Can I just use straight 85? I mean, everyone pretty much uses 85 in those states and I have not heard of any issues so far.In those states I use the mid grade. In NM it is around 89 as I recall. I also get better MPG at high altitudes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vitalic Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 There is no problem to use 85 octane at all. 85 and 87 it's same gas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ptjones Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 My experience has been my MPG's go up with higher Octane, maybe 1-2mpg from reg to premium. You can use lower Octane at higher altitudes. :) Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevedebi Posted April 13, 2015 Report Share Posted April 13, 2015 Well, there is this note in the owner's manual: Octane RecommendationsRegular unleaded gasoline with a pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87 is recommended. Some fuel stations offer fuels posted as regular with an octane rating below 87, particularly in high altitude areas. Fuels with octane levels below 87 are not recommended. obob and ptjones 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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