Gas Type for Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX is a high-performance vehicle that requires premium unleaded gas of 91 octanes or higher for optimum performance. The engine is designed to operate using unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. However, fuel with an octane rating of 87 or higher can be used with no detriment to engine durability. It’s important to note that using a lower octane fuel may result in some slight degradation in performance, but the vehicle will automatically adjust engine timing to avoid a preignition condition [[9]].
The Subaru WRX STI, a higher performance model, requires 93 octane gasoline for optimal performance. However, if this grade of fuel isn’t available in your area, 91 octane is acceptable. Both the WRX and WRX STI have decals inside the fuel lid defining the fuel requirements .
In summary, while the Subaru WRX can run on lower octane fuel, it is recommended to use premium unleaded gas with an octane rating of 91 or higher for the best power output and performance.
Contents
- What happens if you put 87 in a WRX?
- What is the best fuel for WRX?
- What happens if you run 87 in a WRX?
- Why does WRX use so much gas?
- Can a WRX take 87 gas?
- Can you mix 87 and 91 gas?
- What happens if I put regular gas in my WRX?
- What happens if I accidentally put 87 instead of 91?
- Does the WRX need premium gas?
- Should I use 87 or 89 gas?
What happens if you put 87 in a WRX?
Highly doubtful any harm occurred. If you do find yourself with 87 in the tank, just take it easy and don’t hammer on the throttle. The minimum octane for the WRX is 91. Top it up with the highest octane gas available, burn some gas and then top it up again with the highest octane available again.
What is the best fuel for WRX?
However, the engines found in the Subaru BRZ, the Subaru WRX, and the Subaru WRX STI are built for higher compression with a powerful turbocharger — as a result, regular fuel can be problematic in these engines. Instead, premium gas is required.
What happens if you run 87 in a WRX?
Highly doubtful any harm occurred. If you do find yourself with 87 in the tank, just take it easy and don’t hammer on the throttle. The minimum octane for the WRX is 91. Top it up with the highest octane gas available, burn some gas and then top it up again with the highest octane available again.
Why does WRX use so much gas?
Much of this comes down to the AWD system. AWD increases drivetrain losses compared to more conventional 2WD vehicles of the same weight and power output. The AWD system also means that Subarus are significantly heavier than comparable 2WD vehicles. This also hurts gas mileage.
Can a WRX take 87 gas?
Although 87 will work, Subaru recommends 91 or higher.
Can you mix 87 and 91 gas?
Is it bad to mix premium and regular gas? Well, not necessarily. If your car requires premium to run smoothly, but you aren’t able to find a station with premium gasoline, it won’t hurt to top off with regular gasoline. You do want to avoid running on regular gasoline for extended periods of time.
What happens if I put regular gas in my WRX?
I wouldn’t worry about it. The ECU will compensate with a DAM reduction, which retards timing a lot more at high engine loads where knock could actually be damaging. So you may end up with even less knock at high load than with 91 octane.
What happens if I accidentally put 87 instead of 91?
If you put lower-octane fuel into your high-octane vehicle, whether by mistake or to save money on gas, you’ll probably notice the effects right away: things like poor fuel economy, reduced acceleration, and spark knock, which sounds like a high-pitched pinging or rattling noise.
Regular gasoline has an octane level of 87 or so, while premium gasoline has an octane level of 90 or above. This can be a huge advantage for luxury and performance cars specifically, like the Subaru WRX and BRZ.
Should I use 87 or 89 gas?
You should use the octane rating required for your vehicle by the manufacturer. So, check your owner’s manual. Most gasoline vehicles are designed to run on 87 octane, but others are designed to use higher octane fuel.