Regular Gas in Car Calling for High Test??

[Solittle]

I run a 2001 Nissan Maxima and the manual calls for high test gas. What is the risk if I run regular?<br /><br />Like with outboard engines I normally follow the manufacturer's recommendations for my car but with the cost of gas going nuts I was wondering??<br /><br />Please let me know your actual experience in doing or not doing this. <br /><br />I am concerned due to all the sensors and computer techynology getting screwed up if I change to regular.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Regular Gas in Car Calling for High Test??

I would think your main consideration would be pre-detonation. My Wife's Taurus, which is supposed to run on 87 octain, will quietly 'rattle' with some brands of 87 at some times of the year.<br /><br />At minimum you might get some performance issues that might negate the difference in price. But I would try it. Run your tank down as low as you dare then fill it up 1/3 with regular and see how it goes. Most modern auto ignition electronics will just retard the spark when it senses detonation. I don't think you will do any harm to try and if, with careful observation, you sense no problems, go for it. Then be sure to track your mileage and performance.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Regular Gas in Car Calling for High Test??

I have a feeling that the 2001 maxima did not have a knock sensor. It is sunday and I'm at home, when I get to work tommorrow I will check.<br /><br />Is it the V6?

 

[Solittle]

Re: Regular Gas in Car Calling for High Test??

Duraruna - Yes it is the V6. I don't know what a knock sensor is or what it does.<br /><br />I'd rather pay the extra if the regular might harm the engine but if it won't I'd rather the extra bucks I'm paying for premium stay in my pocket. I'm not concerned about performance. The Maxima has plenty left over for my needs.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Regular Gas in Car Calling for High Test??

Originally posted by Dunaruna:<br /> I have a feeling that the 2001 maxima did not have a knock sensor. It is sunday and I'm at home, when I get to work tommorrow I will check.<br /><br />Is it the V6?

You mean that it would not automatically retard? In 2001????<br /><br />Even my 1994 454cid Suburban TBI boat anchor has a knock sensor. Sheesh, I thought these furrin cars were state of the art?

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Regular Gas in Car Calling for High Test??

SoLittle, a 'Knock Sensor' senses pre-detonation (pinging) and retards the timing automatically to compensate. This allows for various octane ratings to be used - especially effective for vehicles that are sold to multiple countries that may have slightly different octane fuels.<br /><br />In 2005, every car has a knock sensor, but not so in 2001.<br /><br />I have a current (2005) encyclopedia on vehicle electronics which should show each and every conponent fitted but there is a problem - <br /><br />The 2001 maxima is not in it!! I think it's a publishing typo. I'll do some homework and repost.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Regular Gas in Car Calling for High Test??

Yes, your model does have a knock sensor but after googling for a few minutes I have discovered a few forums where a lot of maxima owners are complaining about regular knock sensor failure.<br /><br />Might be time to do a code read.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Regular Gas in Car Calling for High Test??

OK, lets assume that it has a knock sensor and the computer retards the timing, even though this sounds like a fix, its actually not. Your engine will carbon up quickly, maybe causing an oxygen sensor failure along with it. Also, along with the retarded timing comes a less fuel efficient engine. Just maybe you would get enough less mileage to make buying the high test economically feasable.

 

[dolluper]

Re: Regular Gas in Car Calling for High Test??

Take the end of a hammer and hit the block by the sensor and listen to the engine speed if it changes while you hit the block the sensor is doing it's job

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: Regular Gas in Car Calling for High Test??

Yea, check your mileage with other grades of gas.<br /><br />Also try the mid grade.<br /><br />Ken

 

[Marauderk]

Re: Regular Gas in Car Calling for High Test??

Overall you really do not save to much using 87 if the car need 91. <br /><br />I find that the mileage difference makes up for the money you saved getting the cheaper gas

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Regular Gas in Car Calling for High Test??

not real scientific, but i saw a show on TV where they interviewed a BMW mechanic and he said the normal driver would notice nothing in performance by running the regular stuff. he said it wouldn't hurt the engine a bit. can't remember the show, but i think it was a news story/investigation on one of the networks.

 

[txswinner]

Re: Regular Gas in Car Calling for High Test??

done it loss gas mileage and power but will run. Not worth it I found. Norstar V8

 

[Solittle]

Re: Regular Gas in Car Calling for High Test??

Great input - Thanks guys.