Can I Use 86 Octane Instead Of 87? Know The Real Facts!

Can I use 86 octane instead of 87? Yes, using 86 octane instead of 87 should be fine as long as there are no signs of preignition or engine issues. At a higher altitude, it may not cause problems, but upgrading to the recommended grade might offer better performance and fuel efficiency.

While it is generally not recommended to use a lower octane fuel than what is specified for your vehicle, using 86 octane instead of 87 occasionally might not cause immediate harm. However, lower-octane fuel can lead to engine knocking and reduced performance, especially in high-compression engines.

Now, join me today on this journey as I am going to share the truth behind octane choices. Also, I’ll add their impact on our driving adventures.

Can I use 86 octane instead of 87? A Comparison Table

Yes, but not recommended and you get it at the beginning of the text. However, let’s see a full comparison between the two octanes for better understanding in the later discussion. 

Octane Rating	86 Octane	87 Octane
Knocking Tendency	More susceptible to knocking due to lower octane	Slightly less prone to knocking due to higher octane
Performance	Reduces engine performance a little	Provides relatively better engine performance
Fuel Efficiency	A bit lower fuel efficiency	Slightly better fuel efficiency
Suitable Vehicles	Recommended for older or low-performance vehicles	Suitable for most modern cars with regular engine requirements
Cost	Generally cheaper than higher octane fuels	Moderately priced, more expensive than 86 octane
Emissions	Produces little higher emissions	Slightly reduced emissions compared to 86 octane

What Do The Numbers Mean?

These numerical values, such as 86 and 87, hold the key to understanding a fuel’s resistance to knocking or preignition. The octane rating represents the fuel’s ability to withstand compression before igniting. 

A higher octane number indicates better resistance to premature combustion, which is crucial for high-performance and high-compression engines. On the other hand, lower octane fuels are more prone to early ignition, potentially leading to engine knocking. 

Choosing the appropriate octane level for your vehicle ensures optimal engine performance, efficiency, and long-term engine health.

What Happens If I Use 86 octane instead of 87?

You can use 86 octane instead of 87 but there are some important considerations:

Performance and Fuel Economy:

Your car’s performance may suffer slightly when using 86-octane fuel.
You might notice a decrease in fuel economy compared to using 87 octane.
Steps to Switch:

1. First, check your car’s owner’s manual or look for a sticker inside the fuel door to see the recommended fuel type.
2. If it specifies “87 octane unleaded gasoline,” you can safely use 86 octane.
3. Fill up your gas tank with 86 octane fuel.
4. Initially, your car may not run as smoothly, but this is normal and will improve after a few miles.
5. Keep an eye on your car’s engine light; if it comes on, switch back to 87 octane.

Why Octane Matters:

1. Octane rating measures a fuel’s ability to resist knocking during combustion.
2. Lower-octane fuels are more prone to detonation, which can damage the engine.
3. Most cars on the road require regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating between 87 and 88.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using 86 octane instead of 87

Exploring the potential benefits and drawbacks of using 86 octane instead of 87. Here’s what I’ve uncovered during my research –

Advantages of Using 86 Octane Instead of 87

• Potential Cost Savings: 86-octane fuel is often cheaper than 87-octane, which could lead to some cost savings at the pump, especially for those on a tight budget or driving long distances.
• Acceptable Performance: Extensive research and personal experiences suggest that using 86 octane is generally acceptable, as long as there are no signs of engine issues like preignition, pinging, or misfiring.

Disadvantages of Using 86 Octane Instead of 87

• Reduced Engine Performance: While 86 octane might work without issues, upgrading to 87 octane can potentially offer improved engine performance, particularly in high-compression engines.
• Lower Fuel Efficiency: 86 octane’s impact on fuel efficiency may vary depending on driving habits and engine specifications. Opting for 87 octane is designed to optimize fuel efficiency, delivering better mileage and reduced emissions.
• Unfavorable for High-Performance Vehicles: High-performance engines often require higher octane fuel to perform optimally. Using 86 octane in such engines could lead to reduced power output and subpar performance.

Can I Mix 86 with 87 Octane?

Mixing 86 and 87-octane fuels is generally acceptable and won’t cause harm to your vehicle. This can be done when you want to balance out the octane level, especially if you’ve added a lower octane fuel than recommended.

However, it’s important to note that the resulting octane level will be somewhere between 86 and 87, and the potential benefits or drawbacks will depend on the specific engine and its requirements.

For optimal performance, it’s still recommended to use the manufacturer’s recommended octane level consistently.

Recommended Readings:

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• Can You Use 93 Octane Instead Of 91
• Can I Use 92 Octane Instead Of 93
• What Should I Use Instead Of Armor All

FAQs

Check out some related questions about switching to 86 octane instead of 87.

Final Words

Can I Use 86 Octane Instead Of 87? Using 86 octane instead of the recommended 87 may lead to engine knocking, reduced performance, and potential long-term damage. While occasional use might not cause immediate harm, consistently following the manufacturer’s recommendation for the appropriate octane level is essential. It’s for optimal engine performance, efficiency, and overall longevity.

It’s advisable to prioritize the prescribed fuel octane to ensure the health and proper functioning of the engine. Keep that in mind!