Hi Rob,
Can you kindly provide some advice on the type of fuel I should put in my 2006 Toyota RAV 4?
My owner's manual indicates the octane should be 87 or higher. I currently use Extra (89 octane) from Esso. With the current gas prices at an all time high, and this, combined with my commute to work ( 50 km round trip), makes me wonder if I can use a lower octane fuel or not.
I do plan to keep the vehicle for a long time.
Thank you in advance for any advice you can provide.
Regards, Karen
I too would have a tough time justifying the use of 89 octane fuel if it wasn't necessary. Stick with the advice given in the owner's manual, and use 87 octane gas. Your Rav4 will love you and your wallet will love you more.
As I've mentioned in the past, when in doubt, always follow your owner's manual. It's one of the key ways the automotive manufacturers communicate with their customers.
It's not often I hear of people running higher than expected octane numbers voluntarily. Usually I get questions about using a lower grade of fuel than required because the higher, more expensive grades are causing serious dents in drivers' wallets.
Karen, you aren't doing your engine any real favours by running the 89 octane so notch it back to 87. Your Toyota engine was designed to work with 87 octane, so it will work just fine with the cheaper fuel.
Many miles of happy motoring Karen.
Send your questions for Rob MacGregor to globedrive@globeandmail.com