Alton Brobst If you own or are considering buying a Subaru Crosstrek, it’s important to know what type of gas to use in your vehicle. With so many different types of gas available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this article, we’ll go over the different types of gas and the recommended type for the Subaru Crosstrek, as well as why using the right type of gas is crucial for optimal performance and safety.
The Different Types of Gas
There are primarily two types of gas available: regular and premium. Regular gas typically has an octane rating of 87, while premium gas has an octane rating of 91 or higher. The main difference between the two is the level of octane, which is a measure of a fuel’s ability to resist "knocking" or "pinging" during combustion.
Recommended Gas for the Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is recommended to use regular unleaded gas with an octane rating of 87. According to Subaru, using a higher octane fuel may provide some small gains in performance, but is not necessary and will not provide any significant increase in fuel economy. In fact, using premium gas in a vehicle that is recommended for regular can actually decrease fuel efficiency while increasing emissions.
Why Using the Recommended Gas is Important
Using the recommended gas is important for multiple reasons, including performance, efficiency, and safety. The engine of the Subaru Crosstrek is designed to work optimally with regular unleaded gas, and using a different type of fuel can affect its performance. Additionally, using a higher octane gas than recommended can cause knocking or pinging, which can damage the engine over time.
Using the recommended gas can also help to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. A vehicle that is designed to use regular unleaded gas will not see any significant gains in performance or fuel economy by using a higher octane fuel. In fact, using premium gas can actually decrease fuel efficiency, which can result in more frequent trips to the gas station and higher costs in the long run.
Potential Consequences of Using the Wrong Type of Gas
Using the wrong type of gas can have consequences that range from decreased performance and efficiency to permanent damage to the engine. If a vehicle is designed to use regular unleaded gas and premium fuel is used instead, the engine may experience knocking or pinging, which can lead to damage over time. Additionally, the vehicle’s fuel efficiency may decrease due to incomplete combustion, which can result in higher emissions.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of gas in an emergency?
A: While it is not recommended to use a different type of gas than what is recommended for the vehicle, using a higher octane gas in an emergency is unlikely to cause any serious damage. However, using a lower octane gas than what is recommended can cause knocking or pinging and may damage the engine over time.
Q: Will using a higher octane gas provide better performance?
A: Using a higher octane gas than recommended will not provide any significant gains in performance for a vehicle that is designed to use regular unleaded gas. In fact, using premium gas can actually decrease fuel efficiency while increasing emissions.
Q: Is it okay to mix different types of gas?
A: It is generally not recommended to mix different types of gas, as this can cause adverse effects on the engine and result in decreased performance, efficiency, and even permanent damage over time.
In conclusion, if you own or are considering buying a Subaru Crosstrek, it’s important to use the recommended regular unleaded gas with an octane rating of 87 for optimal performance, efficiency, and safety. Using premium gas is not necessary and may even result in decreased fuel efficiency and increased emissions. By choosing the right gas for your vehicle, you can save money and ensure that it runs smoothly for years to come.
