Can I use Regular Gas in Premium Gas Car?

Question

I have a 2006 Nissan Murano that says it requires Premium Unleaded Fuel. Given the price of gasoline these days (especially here in CA), Im trying to save money as much as I can. I havent done it yet but some say its ok to use regular. Would it harm my engine or cause other problems? I certainly wont do it if it causes damage and more money in the long run. However if its fine then Id like to save a little $$$$$. Anyone with car knowledge and possibly my make/model experience?

Answer 1

If you run lower grade than required> The gas mileage will be worse than it is> and damage could happen>Ask the dealer if the computer will change the engine parameters on lower grade gas>

Answer 2

From what I've read, your engine runs at a 10.3:1 compression. With it that high, I would stick with the premium gas, to prevent detonation, knocking, and ultimately, the untimely death of your Murano!

Answer 3

if your says it REQUIRES premium fuel, then you should be only putting Premium fuel in it. When you put regular fuel in cars that NEED premium fuel, what happens is the timing retards itself to adjust to the lower octane fuel, meaning it kicks performance down a notch to make up for the lower octane gasoline. You don't really want that happening, you'll get less efficiency, so in most cars you get less gas mileage and make your engine do more work. Also the engine knocks like crazy with regular in most cars that premium. Stick with the premium, your not losing that much more money.

Answer 4

The answer is no.  I can say it and you can hear it from others, but what you really need to do is log on to one of the web sites that helps you understand why you have to have hi-test gasoline.  It'll work for a while, but you don't have any idea what is happening to the inside of that engine.  A murano is a pretty expense car.  Do this, buy a little funny car, like geo prism, for your run around car and keep the Murano for your glitzy car.

Answer 5

You shouldn't

what determines the octane grade is the compression the engine creates, cars with higher compression use a higher octane, the valve train also has a little to do with it.

The point is your car was made for 91 gas don't let her down.

Answer 6

Yeah dont use regular it'll mess up your engine, and cause knocking and pretty soon it'll kill your car.

Answer 7

According to most automotive experts, it depends on your driving habits. Generally, they say you can run regular if you drive gently and don't load the engine.

Your engine already has sensors that detect (and make adjustments to prevent) detonation, so it's not much of a gamble

IF you drive with a VERY light foot.

Answer 8

I, agree, low octane fuels in that niss. will cause the catylitic converter to pug up that's really bad. Low m.p.g. will come from the 87 that ur trying to use.