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91 octane ethanol free

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Fuel Economy' started by bulajap, Oct 29, 2015.

  1. bulajap

    bulajap Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2012
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    Location:
    Niagara Flls
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Hi everyone,

    I have a 2012 Prius ( Model 4). I have been using 87 octane, unleaded, ehtanol added gasoline.

    Is it safe and to used 91 octane, unleaded, ethanol-free gasoline? Would it be better for the vehicle?
    thanks
     
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
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    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    If that's your only option to try ethanol free, sure I'd try it. It won't damage anything. Up here the only ethanol free option I've seen is chevron's TOP octane. Never tried it.

    Higher octane gas is really only needed for a small minority of cars, typically with higher compression engines. Even then, if they're filled with 87 the car's computer will sense knocking and retard timing a bit.
     
  3. Eclipse1701d

    Eclipse1701d Prius Enthusiast

    Joined:
    May 12, 2011
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    Location:
    Nature coast, Florida
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Three Touring
    I tried it, a while back, and my mpg went up 4mpg. However, if you use 10 gallons before refueling, it comes out to less than a gallon of gas saved. The price premium works out to double what you save, so it really isn't worth it, economically...