Are you sure it's not 87?  The manual for my '06 specifies 87 minimum...

Personally, if you can't find 87, I think the 88 would be fine.  Not much sense in going higher than that in one of these cars, although I know people are going to argue with me over that point. :whistling: Certainly don't go lower than the recommended.

 

Using higher octane gas won't do any harm. You could use 93 octane and it would be fine. The opposite is bad though. Using regular in an engine designed for premium gas could result in knocking and pulled timing (meaning reduced engine power) and possible serious damage).

 

If the higher price makes you feel better go for it. The compression in these engines isn't high enough for a higher octane to make a difference or do anything.

 

I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that he's doing it just because he thinks it'll run better. I know some states use different octane ratings for their fuels. For example in Oregon, regular is 87 octane, 89 is plus and 91 is premium. When I drove through Utah, regular (which I almost accidentally purchased) was 85 octane, plus was 88 and premium was 91. While driving through Utah (and southern Idaho), I always purchased the plus grade gas which I never do at home.

 

I put in 89. its ~$1 more a tank so not a huge compromise. I figure I try to offset the mandated 10% ethanol blend.

 

I use 93 and the car runs awesome one day I put 87 and it felt like the car was choking don't know why

 

QUOTE (omg grip @ Jul 9 2010, 06:42 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=340135

I put in 89. its ~$1 more a tank so not a huge compromise. I figure I try to offset the mandated 10% ethanol blend.

yep. 87 gas is crap these days. crap crap crap

 

My buddy put 93 octane w/ 10% ethanol in his boat.

The next day we filled up on the water with 89 w/ no ethanol. It ran much better.

 

Hi Folks,

Thanks for your input!

I live in New Mexico where regular is 86 octane and thought that might be low. I used to live in CA where regular is rated at 87. I just received the Accent owners manual (bought on eBay - wasn't with the car when purchased used from a dealer) and sure enough 87 is the minimum recommended. Good thing is I've been putting in the mid-grade [in NM] 88 octane.

I might try the 91 just to see what happens. :grin:

Michael

 

QUOTE (omg grip @ Jul 9 2010, 03:42 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=340135

I put in 89. its ~$1 more a tank so not a huge compromise. I figure I try to offset the mandated 10% ethanol blend.

My Santa Fe has suffered ever since 10% ethanol hit Oregon pumps. Have you noticed an improvement with 89 octane?

 

QUOTE (lovemysantafe @ Jul 8 2010, 10:42 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=340052

I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that he's doing it just because he thinks it'll run better. I know some states use different octane ratings for their fuels. For example in Oregon, regular is 87 octane, 89 is plus and 91 is premium. When I drove through Utah, regular (which I almost accidentally purchased) was 85 octane, plus was 88 and premium was 91. While driving through Utah (and southern Idaho), I always purchased the plus grade gas which I never do at home.

That's interesting that Utah has 85 octane. Just about every newer car requires at least 87 octane. Here in MA our regular is 87, mid is 89 and premium is 93 octane. I live close to NH and thier premium is 91 octane. It's 1 or 2 cents cheaper than our 93 octane. So the jump from 85 octane to the mid grade 89 or so octane would get expensive in the long run.

The only brand here in MA that contains NO ethanol is Citgo. It's also a few cents more. I think the extra cost is made up in better mileage and performance for sure. My wifes '09 Accent definatetly can tell the difference between not only 87-93 octane but ethanol vs non-ethanol gas. Sweet spot seems to be the 89 non-ethanol gas. She get's about 2MPG better mileage with that over 87 ethanol blend.

 

QUOTE (lovemysantafe @ Jul 14 2010, 07:41 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=341801

My Santa Fe has suffered ever since 10% ethanol hit Oregon pumps. Have you noticed an improvement with 89 octane?

ehh...not really any noticable improvement. But I still put it in anyways. The 89 still has 10% ethanol too.

Its really hard to make the comparison, some weeks I drive pretty easy, sometimes I disregard efficiency to wind out the motor a bit...Still I get 29-30mpg average per tank.

 

QUOTE (mmucklow @ Jul 14 2010, 06:25 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=341782

Hi Folks,

Thanks for your input!

I live in New Mexico where regular is 86 octane and thought that might be low. I used to live in CA where regular is rated at 87. I just received the Accent owners manual (bought on eBay - wasn't with the car when purchased used from a dealer) and sure enough 87 is the minimum recommended. Good thing is I've been putting in the mid-grade [in NM] 88 octane.

I might try the 91 just to see what happens. :grin:

Michael

There's 2 methods to calculating octane, and the answers are always 2 apart. So US and Canada just split the difference. Your 88 is fine, so's 86, but there is no reason to use the 88 unless you're driving in particularly cold weather on the coast, when you have denser air, Mexico City otoh...