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Best type of gas for Prime?

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by Yukyae, Apr 15, 2017.

  1. Yukyae

    Yukyae New Member

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    Like the question on the thread tile. What type of gas are you guys using for Prime? 87, 89 or 91..! Which one is good for the engine?
    Thank you.
     
  2. dalcon95

    dalcon95 Senior Member

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    I use 87 with no ethanol. It gives better fuel economy and a longer shelf life which is good for those that don't use much gas at all. It is designed for 87 and that is what I use.

    #1 in Easley,SC
     
  3. Rmay635703

    Rmay635703 Senior Member

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    The cheapest, it's rare anything else saves money
     
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  4. Prius from Dad

    Prius from Dad Senior Member

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    I agree, ethanol is not good for mpg or the seals in engines. Wish they had no ethanol gas in NJ.
     
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  5. dalcon95

    dalcon95 Senior Member

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    It can be easily found in South Carolina. Not all stations have it though. It cost about $0.30 more per gallon though. Being that I hardly use gas, the price difference isn't a big deal to me.

    #1 in Easley,SC
     
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  6. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    I use E10 87 AKI octane from a busy service station.
     
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  7. mr88cet

    mr88cet Senior Member

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    Generally speaking, higher octane ratings don't work any better on engines designed for 87. That, according to Consumer Reports and others.


    iPhone ? Pro
     
  8. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    Owners manual should have octane requirement, but basically all USA Prii take 87 Regular.
    I like to use TopTierGas.com companies.

    Most of us only have E10 10% ethanol available, so that's the Regular intended.
    Ethanol-free E0 might be a plus, if available, especially if your intent is to never use the gaso and just let it sit in the tank.
     
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  9. ed4271

    ed4271 Member

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  10. Samprocat

    Samprocat Active Member

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    I have done various tests and so far 91 octane on Prime will make better MPG and do a lot tighter timing versus 87 octane
    All tests been done with 100% fuel no ethanol
    93 octane have not show any better than 91
    So if your goals are cheap
    You will not save money buying 91 octane fuel vs MPG improvements
    If you looking at how combustion is getting on better side with better catalytic temperatures then 91 octane with so much more to discuss...
    But that will be another thing

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  11. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Regular grade with ethanol (I assume) works fine for me. If I understand correctly, higher grades are warranted only for higher compression engines, are formulated to better resist pre-ignition (harder to ignite), AND: will be noted in the Owner's Manual.

    I'm partial to Chevron, suspect they have decent quality control over their gas, and they have free air still, about the only holdout around here.
     
  12. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    I wonder how that'll fare in the Prime (and might be one reason the Gen 1 Volt required premium). How would E10 fuel sit for half a year in the tank vs. E0?

    Is there a Coles Note version? I do recall some years ago that @bwilson4web said that 89 (midgrade) works well if you're on a higher stress drive (like mountain driving or on a road trip). I can't remember why now.

    The only reason I'll put 91 is for ethanol-free fuel. I gained 1-2 US mpg out of it so the cost has to be small enough to break even (not trying to save money but rather just have ethanol-free fuel in the system). In Canada, the costs usually doesn't work out but in the States, the math works out for some stations.
     
  13. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    We basically ain't got no E0 here, even Volt must accept 10% ethanol in our Premium.
    The vast majority of U.S. Primes and PHEV are being sold in states with EPA RFG (reformulated gasoline) and in those RFG areas, E0 is effectively banned from all gasoline stations. Only when we get out to the less populated U.S. areas is E0 available on a limited basis.

    E10 is a pain for water separation, but for 6-months you are probably OK.
     
    #13 wjtracy, Apr 16, 2017
    Last edited: Apr 16, 2017
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  14. PT Guy

    PT Guy Senior Member

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    Best answer of the bunch. Top Tier is worth looking for for all your engines. Licensed Brands | Top Tier Gas
     
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  15. dalcon95

    dalcon95 Senior Member

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    I think the E0 availability is an area thing and not a less populated think. In Greenville SC, which has about 1/2 million people in it, has gas stations with E0 available. Most common is E10 and a few have E85. There are more stations with E0 than E85 in this area.

    #1 in Easley,SC
     
  16. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    Basically the "non-attainment" areas with smog issues (Northeast corridior/CA/Chicago area/St Louis/Houston/etc) must use RFG and E0 is not allowed in those areas.
     
  17. Samprocat

    Samprocat Active Member

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    That is not true for St Louis you have choice for 100% fuel

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  18. HPrimeAdvanced

    HPrimeAdvanced Senior Member

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    Remember gasoline is refined in a batch process from different stocks according to set specifications within supposed guidelines; there can be some variance. Also, if a station is unable, for whatever reason to get its shipment from the name vendor, they will get it from another different label in order not to run out. So a purchaser who practices brand loyalty might be wasting their time (and money).




    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  19. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Ah yes, E10 had not invaded our area. I only test regular and premium in a maximum throttle hill climb.

    I found a slight improvement of premium because the spark could advance further. Emphasis on slight because it was not proportional to the higher price.

    Bob Wilson
     
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  20. priuscatprimeguy

    priuscatprimeguy Senior Member

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    According to the owners manual you can go a year between fill ups. I would personally would only go 6 months though.:D