When you pull up to a gas pump, you typically have several options for the type of fuel you want to use, including regular and premium gasoline. Premium fuel costs more, so it must offer additional benefits — right? The truth is that the type of gasoline you should use in your Mazda depends on the model you drive and your vehicle’s engine performance. To help you decide between regular, midgrade, and premium fuel, we’ve put together this helpful guide for Mazda owners on which gasoline to use.
How Gasoline Is Rated
At the gas pump, you’ll see different options for gasoline based on their octane ratings. The octane rating refers to the fuel’s ability to resist knocking or pinging during combustion. It’s the big number printed on the button you push to start fueling. The higher the octane rating, the more pressure the fuel can withstand before it spontaneously combusts.
Most gas stations in Bountiful, Utah, sell three grades of gasoline:
- Regular: This fuel usually has an octane rating of 87.
- Midgrade: The middle-range fuel has an octane rating of 89 or 90.
- Premium: This gas has the highest octane rating, usually 91 to 94.
Most people hear “premium fuel” and assume it’s better to use in their vehicles. However, unless you own a Mazda that specifically requires premium gas, it’s perfectly fine to fill up using regular fuel. That’s because high-octane gas only offers benefits in cars designed to run on this fuel. Usually, that includes sports cars and performance vehicles with high-compression engines.
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.
What Happens If You Get the Wrong Gasoline?
If you drive a Mazda that uses regular fuel and accidentally fill up with premium gasoline, you don’t need to panic. Using premium gasoline instead of regular won’t harm your vehicle. The worst that will happen is you spend more than you need to on gas.
However, if you drive a Mazda that recommends premium fuel, it’s better to fill up with gas that has a higher octane rating. Using regular fuel by mistake once or twice typically won’t hurt your vehicle or cause long-term damage. If you consistently choose regular fuel over premium, however, it can reduce the engine output and increase the possibility of engine knocking. If this occurs, it can cause serious damage to your vehicle’s engine, resulting in costly repairs.
In the short term, using regular gas instead of premium in your Mazda Miata or CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid can also decrease fuel economy. You may notice your vehicle runs less efficiently, causing you to make more stops at the gas station and offsetting the cost benefits of regular gas.
What To Do If You Put the Wrong Gasoline In
In most cases, there’s nothing to do if you fill up with the wrong grade of gasoline. If you put premium gas in a Mazda that uses regular fuel, you can rest assured you haven’t done any damage to your vehicle. Remember: You won’t get additional benefits by using premium gas in a Mazda made for regular fuel, so it’s better to save your money and fill up with the lower-octane fuel.
If you use regular gasoline in your Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid or Miata, pay attention to your vehicle’s performance. Note any major differences in the fuel economy when driving in the Bountiful, Utah, area. If you don’t notice any differences, it’s probably safe to keep using regular or midgrade fuel. When in doubt, however, choose premium fuel for these models for the best performance and efficiency.
The obvious exception is if you start to hear the engine knocking while driving. This knocking can occur when using lower-octane fuel. It can also be a sign of other car troubles, signaling it’s time for some maintenance. Bring your vehicle to Bountiful Mazda for a service appointment as soon as you hear engine knocking to get it checked out.
Get Your Mazda Serviced at Bountiful Mazda
Using the right fuel for your Mazda can keep it running smoothly for years to come, extending the life span of your vehicle. If you still have questions about the right fuel to use for your Mazda, reach out to us at Bountiful Mazda. We’re happy to inform you about the octane level you should be using to fuel your car. If you suspect a lower fuel grade has caused damage to your engine, we can help with that, too. We offer full-service repairs for Mazda vehicles with affordable financing options. For more information, contact our dealership today.
Image by Dawn McDonald | Licensed with Unsplash License
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