2025 Mazda Gasoline Requirements

Selecting the right gas for your 2025 Mazda is essential for ensuring your car's performance, life span, and fuel efficiency. Living in Bountiful means dealing with Utah's unique altitude and temperature changes, which affect your engine's operation. Our Bountiful Mazda team has compiled this guide to walk you through the fuel requirements for Mazda's latest models, providing practical tips to boost performance and extend your vehicle's life.

Mazda Gas Type Ratings

Pull up to any pump and you'll notice different numbers on each button. These are octane ratings that measure how fuel resists knocking during combustion. Knock occurs when fuel ignites too early, putting strain on your engine. Higher numbers mean better knock resistance. Gas stations offer the following three gas types:

• Regular: 87 octane
• Midgrade: 89 to 90 octane
• Premium: 91 to 94 octane

Fuel combustion at Utah's elevation differs significantly from that at sea level. High-performance engines, particularly those with turbochargers or high compression ratios, typically need higher octane gas. Although Mazda's SKYACTIV engines maximize efficiency while maintaining power, each one has specific fuel needs based on its design.

Premium fuels offer better stability under pressure and heat, protecting valves, pistons, and cylinder walls from wear. Using the right octane for your Mazda saves you money via improved mileage and fewer repairs over time.

Mazda Gas Requirements by Model

Not sure if your Mazda requires premium fuel? Fortunately, you can find this information easily by consulting the owners manual. It will have a section explaining what fuel to use in your vehicle. For your convenience, we've also compiled the Mazda fuel requirements for new models below:

• Mazda CX-50: Regular unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 87 or higher.
• Mazda CX-5: Regular unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 87 or higher.
• Mazda3 Sedan: Regular unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 87 or higher.
• Mazda3 Hatchback: Regular unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 87 or higher.
• Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid: Premium unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher. You can use regular unleaded fuel, but Mazda warns it may slightly reduce the engine output and vehicle performance.
• Mazda CX-90: Regular unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 87 or higher.
• Mazda CX-30: Regular unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 87 or higher.
• Mazda MX-5 Miata: Premium unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher. You can use regular or midgrade fuel with octane ratings between 87 and 90, but it may reduce vehicle performance slightly.
• Mazda MX-5 Miata RF: Premium unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher. You can use regular or midgrade fuel with octane ratings between 87 and 90, but it may reduce vehicle performance slightly.

Here's the bottom line: Unless you drive a CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid or a Miata, you can safely use regular unleaded gasoline to fill up. If you drive a Mazda that recommends premium fuel, it's up to you whether you use premium, midgrade, or regular fuel.

Consequences of Using Incorrect Fuel in Your Mazda

Using a lower-octane gas than recommended can cause significant issues, including knocking sounds and engine damage. Using regular instead of premium fuel in a Miata or CX-90 plug-in hybrid will adversely affect your gas mileage. In the long term, using the wrong gas type can damage the fuel system, cause wear on engine components, and even lead to complete engine failure. This can lead to costly repairs and may also void your warranty.

Although filling up with a higher octane than needed won't cause damage, it's a waste of money. Your Mazda was built to run best on specific fuel. Premium gas won't make your regular-fuel car any better. Save that cash for maintenance or a weekend trip to the mountains instead.

Long-Term Effects on Emission Control Systems

The wrong fuel can also disrupt your emission control systems. These components work in precise harmony to keep your Mazda running optimally. Your catalytic converter is most affected when incorrect fuel enters the system. This expensive component transforms pollutants into safer substances, but it can't handle contaminants from improper fuel. Our region's changing temperatures exacerbate these problems. Unusual exhaust compositions can disrupt the oxygen sensors, causing them to send incorrect signals to your car's computer, which results in poor fuel metering, rough idling, stalling, and increased emissions.

If not addressed, these problems worsen over time and can cause you to fail emission tests when renewing your Utah registration. Your Mazda's engine control unit will try to adapt, but it has limits. The computer may permanently change its fuel settings, reducing performance even after switching to proper fuel. These small problems add up to expensive repairs since important components wear out prematurely, and your Mazda struggles with basic functions.

Steps To Take If Incorrect Fuel Is Used

If you've made a mistake at the pump, don't start your car. Put the vehicle in neutral, push it to a safe location, and call a professional to drain the tank. Although this is inconvenient, it's much cheaper than fixing engine damage. If you've already driven with incorrect fuel in the tank, monitor your car closely for strange noises, power loss, or an illuminated check engine light. If you notice any of these, stop driving immediately and call for help. Even if everything seems fine, have your Mazda checked by a specialist to identify any problems before they become serious.

If you've accidentally put regular gas in your Miata or CX-90 plug-in hybrid, you should monitor your car's performance carefully. You can gradually mix in the correct fuel over your next few fill-ups to ease the transition. You'll probably notice less power. If you notice any problem or are concerned, consult a mechanic for an inspection.

Maintaining Optimum Performance and Fuel Efficiency

Getting the most from your 2025 Mazda takes more than just proper fuel. Regular maintenance is needed. Try to follow the manufacturer's recommended schedule for oil changes and filter replacements. Your driving style also makes a big difference in your fuel use. Try to avoid quick acceleration and use your cruise control when you can. If you're stuck in downtown Bountiful traffic, avoid sitting idle for long stretches and reduce air conditioning use. These habits increase fuel efficiency and decrease engine wear.

Ensure Your Mazda's Longevity With Proper Fuel Choice

Using the right fuel in your 2025 Mazda protects your investment in the long term. Follow Mazda's guidelines for smoother acceleration, better mileage, and extended engine life span. While your owner's manual offers guidance, local factors such as altitude and temperature also affect performance. If you have questions about fuel needs during summer heat or winter snow, visit Bountiful Mazda for expert advice from our technicians who know your car and local driving conditions.

Image by Dawn McDonald | Licensed with Unsplash License