egrove
Dallastown, PA
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We are traveling out west for the first time. Filled up today near Denver and noticed that regular gas, which I usually use is 85 octane. Since I usually use 87 octane I filled up with that, but I was charged a premium price for it. Is it OK to use 85 octane while out here in the Rockies? My vehicle has a Ford V10 gas engine.
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downtheroad
Pacific Northwest
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We were used a tank full or two while towing with our Expedition.
I could most certainly feel the difference, especially on grades and long pulls.
It didn't seem to do any damage to the engine.
You will probably really feel it in your big block V10.
If I were to do it again, I'd suck it up and pay for the higher octane.
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dicknellen
Northern Nevada, USA
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You will find 85 in many of the mountain states, I use it in our Winnebago V10 with no problems.
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The Texan
Home: Idaho - Location: Texas
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85 is regular, in the mountain areas.
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robatthelake
Vancouver Island
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The higher altitude allows the use of a lower Octane Fuel! 85 is very common across the Country. On the Pacific Coast we have 87 as Our Regular 89 Mid Grade and 92 as Premium although there are a few stations that even have 95.
Your Modern Fuel Injected engines are supposed to be Smart enough to figure out What You are using and at What altitude.
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Pokey2
Bel Marin Keys, CA
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No experience with 85 octane but, being a cautious fellow, I'd stick to 87 even if it costs a bit more.
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txdutt
Parker CO
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reason for lower octane is due to the altitude with lower oxygen levels-any modern vehicle will run fine with it
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BENT ARROW
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I usually keep cars for 10 years and 85 octane is all I use in everything including the MH, I don't remember every having even a minor engine problem since unleaded came out. Your computer will adjust for the octane. Here in Denver every few years there will be a news report reminding drivers all you need is 85 octane unless you drive a high compression older car or something like a Vette.
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Golden_HVAC
Fulltime, CA, USA
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Hi,
I think that the 87 octane will provide better mileage. You might feel a differance in performane if you get some 85 octane, the only way to tell is get about 10 gallons and give it a try. If you only get 6 instead of 7 MPG, then you will know it is about 10% more less distance per gallon, so switch back unless the price is $0.30 less per gallon. Actually switching to 91 octane might get you 10% more distance per gallon, so is actually worth it, because the price is only about 6% higher.
85 octane is fine for cars in the higher altitudes, that is why it is sold in areas that are above 4,500 feet altitude. Below 3,500' then you need to switch back to 87 octane.
Good Luck,
Fred.
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BuckBarker
PSL, FL
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Golden_HVAC wrote:Hi,
I think that the 87 octane will provide better mileage. You might feel a differance in performane if you get some 85 octane, the only way to tell is get about 10 gallons and give it a try. If you only get 6 instead of 7 MPG, then you will know it is about 10% more less distance per gallon, so switch back unless the price is $0.30 less per gallon. Actually switching to 91 octane might get you 10% more distance per gallon, so is actually worth it, because the price is only about 6% higher.
85 octane is fine for cars in the higher altitudes, that is why it is sold in areas that are above 4,500 feet altitude. Below 3,500' then you need to switch back to 87 octane.
Good Luck,
6 is not 10% less than 7!
Fred.
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