Didn't read my owner's manual... now I'm feeling bad for my truck

Discussion Forum
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So yeah… I didn’t bother reading my owner’s manual and ended up running my Maverick on regular gas that’s probably not optimal. Sorry, little truck!

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@Zeke
Pretty sure the manual says something like ‘you CAN use 87 octane if you have to, but 91 is better.’

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Fallon said:
@Zeke
Pretty sure the manual says something like ‘you CAN use 87 octane if you have to, but 91 is better.’

Is that why hybrid owners are getting 50+ MPG? I get 42 on regular but might go for 91 if it really boosts my mpg by that much.

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@Gray
This thread is about EcoBoost. I think hybrid folks are just coasting everywhere to get those numbers lol.

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Fallon said:
@Gray
This thread is about EcoBoost. I think hybrid folks are just coasting everywhere to get those numbers lol.

Yep, I’m a hybrid driver and coasting is my secret weapon! Free charge and better mpg even if it’s a bit slower.

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Fallon said:
@Gray
This thread is about EcoBoost. I think hybrid folks are just coasting everywhere to get those numbers lol.

Plus, no AC or heat on!

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@Gray
Pretty sure this is only for EcoBoost engines.

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@Gray
Nah, I think it’s different for hybrids.

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@Gray
High-octane is for higher compression. A turbocharged engine needs 91 so it doesn’t knock. If you use 87, the computer adjusts to avoid damage, but it’s less efficient.

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Riley said:
@Gray
High-octane is for higher compression. A turbocharged engine needs 91 so it doesn’t knock. If you use 87, the computer adjusts to avoid damage, but it’s less efficient.

Thanks for explaining! I’ll check it out more.

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@Gray
No problem! Just a heads-up, though, premium fuel is a lot more expensive now compared to years ago, so the cost-benefit isn’t as clear.

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Riley said:
@Gray
No problem! Just a heads-up, though, premium fuel is a lot more expensive now compared to years ago, so the cost-benefit isn’t as clear.

Tell me about it! Used to be just a little more… now it’s $1+ more per gallon. I really want a Maverick but for now, stuck with my BMW, and it’s killing me!

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Fallon said:
@Zeke
Pretty sure the manual says something like ‘you CAN use 87 octane if you have to, but 91 is better.’

Been using 87 in my EcoBoost with no problems. Knock protection is the main thing with higher octane, but if it doesn’t knock, I’m not convinced it helps.

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@Zeke
Exactly. It’s not turbo, so it’s fine on 87. Just doesn’t run as clean or as smooth.

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@Ty
Thanks! Is this stuff common knowledge or something you picked up from experience?

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In New Mexico, we only have 86, not 87… Guess I’m sticking to mid-grade then. Already put 1,000 miles on it!

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Teo said:
@Ty
Thanks! Is this stuff common knowledge or something you picked up from experience?

It’s common among car folks who look into this stuff, but not something your average person might know.

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@Blane
Makes sense! Like each hobby has its own ‘common knowledge’ that others don’t really know.

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Teo said:
@Ty
Thanks! Is this stuff common knowledge or something you picked up from experience?

Advanced timing helps with fuel economy too, but it doesn’t fully make up for the higher fuel cost. Anything above 91 is just a waste.