Choosing the right fuel option for your Ford is crucial for optimizing its performance and avoiding damage. Your warranty won’t cover any damage to your vehicle or necessary repairs if the damage results from using a type of fuel not recommended for your specific model. You should always refer to your owner’s manual to be sure you’re using the right fuel, but when in doubt, your Ford dealer can help determine which option is best.
Choosing the Right Fuel Option for Your Ford: A Comprehensive Guide from Your Local Ford Dealer
Gasoline
For most Ford vehicles, regular unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 87 will work fine and won’t damage your engine, as long as you use a blend with a maximum of 15 percent ethanol. If you prefer to fill up with premium gas, it won’t hurt your powertrain and may be beneficial in situations where you need to tow or drive off-road, but it will be significantly more expensive.
On the other hand, if Ford recommends premium fuel for your high-performance gas vehicle, filling up with regular could damage your engine and hurt your fuel economy. You should always avoid using gasoline that contains methanol or metallic-based additives. Leaded fuel should never be used.
E85 Fuel
E85 fuel, which is gasoline blended with 51-83 percent ethanol, is specially designed for flex-fuel vehicles, and gas station pumps are clearly labeled with a yellow nozzle. You can tell if your Ford is a flex-fuel vehicle because it should have a yellow fuel cap or bezel over the fill inlet. You don’t have to use E85, as gasoline of any octane level is suitable for your flex-fuel Ford, but it can harm an engine that strictly takes unleaded gas.
Diesel
While less common than gasoline-powered engines, diesel-powered engines are often found in Super Duty trucks and require specific fuel due to their operational differences. They use compression ignition engines to work more efficiently and typically provide greater torque, but less horsepower, than spark-ignited gasoline vehicles. Many filling stations offer diesel, usually indicated by a green nozzle. You should never fill your diesel engine with gasoline, or vice versa.
With our free local delivery and service pick-up, servicing your Ford has never been so easy and convenient! Whether you need help with your current Ford or are looking for your next ride, contact or visit us at Clay Maxey Ford of Harrison in Harrison, AR.
