What if I accidentally put 93 instead of 87? If your vehicle is designed to run on 87-octane fuel and you accidentally put in 93-octane, there’s typically no immediate harm done. In fact, modern engines are usually equipped with systems that adjust to different octane levels to prevent damage in case of occasional use of higher-octane fuel.
Let’s get the details of this.
What If I Accidentally Put 93 Instead Of 87? Is 93 Octane The Same As 87?
Accidentally putting 93 octane instead of 87 octane shouldn’t cause any immediate harm to your vehicle. However, it’s important to understand that 93-octane and 87-octane gasoline are not the same.
The primary difference between the two is their octane rating:
- 87 Octane: This is a lower octane fuel with an octane rating of 87. It’s commonly used in most standard vehicles and engines.
- 93 Octane: This is a higher octane fuel with an octane rating of 93, often known as premium gasoline. It’s recommended for high-performance engines or vehicles designed to run on higher-octane fuel.
The higher octane rating in 93 octane fuel means it has a greater resistance to premature ignition or knocking compared to 87 octane fuel. High-performance engines might benefit from using 93 octane to prevent knocking and potentially improve performance.
However, if your vehicle is designed to run on 87 octane fuel, using 93 octane won’t necessarily provide significant benefits. Your car’s engine might adjust to the higher octane fuel, but you might not notice any major differences in performance or efficiency.
Difference Between 93 Octane And 87 Octane: 93 Octane vs 87 Octane
Let’s see the comparison between 93 and 87 octane.
| Aspect | 87 Octane | 93 Octane |
| Octane Rating | 87 | 93 |
| Performance | Suitable for standard engines | Recommended for high-performance engines |
| Engine Compatibility | Recommended for most vehicles | Recommended for engines designed for higher octane fuel |
| Price and Availability | Generally cheaper and widely available | More expensive and might not be available at all stations |
| Fuel Efficiency | Maintains a balance of performance and efficiency | Potential performance gains; minimal impact on fuel efficiency |
| Environmental Impact | Similar environmental impact to 93 octane | Similar environmental impact to 87 octane |
Can I Mix 93 Octane And 87 Octane? 3 Things To Keep In Mind
Yes, you can mix different octane levels of gasoline in your vehicle’s fuel tank without causing harm to the engine. In fact, it’s a common practice and won’t damage your car.
Mixing different octane levels might result in an intermediate octane level in your fuel tank. For instance, if you mix equal parts of 93 octane and 87 octane gasoline, you’ll get a blend closer to 90 octane.
However, keep in mind a few things:
Performance and Octane Rating
The resulting octane level after mixing might not precisely be the average between the two. Factors such as the amounts of each fuel and their original octane ratings play a role in the final blend.
Purpose and Benefits
Mixing higher and lower octane fuels might be unnecessary unless you’re trying to fine-tune the octane level for a specific performance need. For most vehicles, using the recommended octane level by the manufacturer is sufficient.
Cost Consideration
Mixing higher octane fuel with lower octane fuel might end up costing more than just using the recommended octane fuel. Usually, it’s more cost-effective and practical to stick to the recommended octane level for your vehicle.
What Will Happen If I Accidentally Put 93 Instead Of 87?
Accidentally using 93 octane fuel instead of 87 octane in a vehicle that’s designed to run on 87 octane won’t cause immediate damage or significant issues. Modern engines are typically equipped with systems that adjust to different octane levels to prevent any harm.
Here’s what might happen:
1. No immediate harm
Your vehicle’s engine control systems will likely compensate for the higher octane fuel without causing damage. There won’t be any sudden or noticeable negative effects on the engine.
2. Potential minor changes
You might not notice any significant difference in performance, fuel efficiency, or how your car operates. In some cases, there might be minor alterations in engine behavior, but they’re typically not dramatic or harmful.
3. Limited impact
Using higher octane fuel than recommended once is unlikely to have a significant long-term impact on your vehicle’s engine or performance. However, consistently using the wrong octane level over an extended period might lead to carbon buildup or decreased fuel efficiency.
4. Cost implications
93 octane fuel is usually more expensive than 87 octane. Using it in an engine designed for 87 octane might result in unnecessary expenses without any tangible benefits.
If you’ve accidentally used 93 octane instead of 87, there’s generally no need to panic or worry. Just continue using the correct octane level recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer in the future to ensure optimal engine performance and efficiency. If you notice any unusual behavior or concerns, consulting with a mechanic or checking your vehicle’s manual for guidance can provide peace of mind.
Recommended articles:
- Can I Use 88 Gas Instead Of 87
- What If I Put Regular Gas Instead Of Premium
- 7 Consequences If I Accidentally Put Unleaded Instead Of Premium
Bottom Line
Accidentally using 93 octane instead of 87 in your vehicle designed for lower octane fuel won’t cause immediate harm. Modern engines typically adapt to varying octane levels to prevent damage. 93 octane offers better resistance to engine knocking. However, using it in a standard engine may not yield noticeable benefits.
Mixing different octane fuels is safe but might not precisely blend as expected. In the long term, it won’t severely impact your engine, but consistent use might affect efficiency. Stick to your manufacturer’s recommended octane level for optimal performance, avoiding unnecessary expenses. No need to panic; if concerned, consult a mechanic or your manual for guidance.
