Can a Chevy Equinox take 88 Gas?
When going through the guides on the gas to use on any vehicle, it is best to start with the octane rating. The rating that you use should be compatible with your vehicle and should not cause any harm to your engine and its components.
Yes, the Chevy Equinox can take 88 gas. Owners are advised to use unleaded 87 or higher and is mostly labeled as regular unleaded gasoline. For one, it reduces the occurrence of knocks in the engine. This phenomenon tends to cause wear on the engine and other damages in the long term. The higher octane rating in the gasoline used will provide extra protection on the engine and also increase the durability of the engine. This way, you get to save money in the long run.
This article sheds some light on the right fuel to be used in the Chevy Equinox in terms of octane rating.
Can a Chevy Equinox take 88 gas?
Ideally, the Chevy Equinox takes standard unleaded fuel to power its engine. It is advisable to use unleaded 87 or higher. This is because gasoline with higher octane ratings comes with advantages.
Usually, any time you operate your Chevy Equinox, the engine undergoes a number of controlled combustion events. However, it is possible for these events to occur outside the planned performance, a phenomenon referred to as a knock. Higher octane ratings in the gasoline used to fill the gas tank will reduce the chances of knock from occurring.
When a knock occurs, it leads to premature wearing of the engine. This is where gasoline with a higher octane rating comes in handy. 88 gas will work to provide extra protection to the engine. With the reduced likelihood of knock occurrence, there will be minimal wear on the engine, and hence, it will run better and with an extended life span.
Besides saving money in the long term, using 88 gas or higher in the Chevy Equinox increases engine efficiency as well. This means that there is reduced fuel wastage that occurs in the event of a knock.
How can I improve the fuel economy of my Chevy Equinox?
Besides filling your Chevy Equinox with a high octane rating gasoline, there are other ways in which you can improve the fuel economy. To maximize its efficiency;
- Clear it out.
This is the simplest way and is done by ensuring you are not carrying unnecessary stuff. Your vehicle should be kept clean without storing items that you do not need. This works to reduce the weight making it more fuel efficient.
- Maintain your Equinox.
Ensure that you follow the recommended service schedule of your vehicle. This is the key to getting a longer life from your vehicle. Besides being cost effective, it is a great way to raise the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. A routine maintenance keeps the system working properly and minimizes waste due to avoidable repairs.
- Drive at consistent speeds.
A change in the driver behavior also affects the fuel economy. Ensure that you maintain steady speeds any time you drive as this reduces energy that is wasted on frequent braking. When driving on the highway, maintain safe distances to avoid making sudden stops which are bad for fuel economy.
- Reduce idling.
Every time you leave your vehicle running while not in it wastes gasoline. This will reduce the number of miles that you get out of each fill. In the long run, it is beneficial to turn off the vehicle when staying at a place for more than a minute.
What are the types of fuel to be avoided for the Chevy Equinox?
Some fuels are simply harmful to your vehicle. They are as outlined below.
Gasoline containing MMT
The Chevy brand and many other manufacturers do not recommend using gasoline that contains Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl (MMT). This chemical has been the additive that is used to boost the octane rating in gasoline for a long time now. However, it is also known to cause damage to the spark plugs and other important components in the fuel system.
Leaded gasoline
Today, most of the gasoline in the world is free of lead, hence the term unleaded gasoline. Leaded gasoline is known to have damaging effects on the catalytic converters in vehicles. Moreover, it is the known cause of lead poisoning which is a health hazard.
Fuel containing methanol
The other type of fuel to be avoided is one that contains methanol, methyal, aniline, and ferrocene. These materials are known to damage and corrode other metal and plastic components in the system.
FAQs
What happens if I use the wrong gas type?
Using the wrong type of gas, like one with a lower octane rating, has serious consequences. This can result in an audible knocking sound, damage to internal engine components, and reduced engine performance.
What do I do if I hear knocking noises from the engine after refueling?
A knocking noise from the engine, once you refuel, can either mean that you have filled using the wrong type of fuel or that the fuel is contaminated. This case should be properly diagnosed by a mechanic.
Conclusion
Using the right type of fuel in your vehicle is of prime importance. Failure to do so can cause severe and irreparable damage in your vehicle. The Chevy Equinox can be filled with 88 gas, basically anything 87 or higher.
