Does my Porsche require premium gas?
The short answer to that question is yes. It is strongly recommended by the brand that every Porsche model with a gas engine use premium fuel exclusively.
Here’s why:
What is an octane rating?
The choice between regular and premium fuel at the pump comes down to a factor called “octane rating,” which is a basic measurement of heat resistance.
Premium fuels, such as those required by Porsche models, range from 91-94 octane. The higher the rating, the more the fuel can withstand higher pressures before combustion, therefore making it less likely to ignite other than at the exact right moment. These high-pressure engine environments are commonly found in Porsche’s turbochargers and high-compression naturally aspirated engines.
Lower-rated octane fuels, starting at 87 and ranging to 90, cannot withstand these high-pressure environments and can cause pre-ignition or engine “knocks,” which slowly deteriorate your engine.
It should be noted that engine cleaning additives within fuel do not correlate with octane ratings. The same detergent additives found within regular 87 octane gasoline can also be found within premium fuels, optimizing engine performance and lowering emissions.
Premium at the pump
All combustion Porsche models require the use of premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher to accommodate the expertly engineered turbochargers and high-compression engines under the hood. The use of lower octane fuel could cause permanent damages to your vehicle and should be avoided.
Date Posted: August 13, 2021