1993 VOLVO 940 turbo
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Like every other similar question, check your manual. In this case section 4.2.Octane Rating
Volvo engines are designed for optimum performance on unleaded premium gasoline with an octane rating, AKI of 91, or above. AKI (ANTI KNOCK INDEX) is an average of the Research Octane Number, RON, and the Motor Octane Number, MON, (RON + MON/ 2). The minimum octane requirement is AKI 87 (RON 91).
Gasoline Containing Alcohol and Ethers
"Oxygenated fuels"
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing "oxygenates" which are usually alcohols or ethers. In some areas, state or local laws require that the service pump be marked indicating use of alcohol or ethers. However, there are areas in which the pumps are unmarked. If you are not sure whether there is alcohol or ethers in the gasoline you buy, check with the service station operator. To meet seasonal air quality restrictions, some states require the use of "oxygenated" fuel in certain areas.
Volvo allows the use of the following "oxygenated fuels"; however, the octane ratings listed on this page must still be met.
Alcohol -- Ethanol
Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol by volume may be used.
Ethanol may also be referred to as Ethyl alcohol, or "Gasohol".
Ethers -- MTBE
Fuels containing up to 15% MTBE may be used.
So, an octane of 91 or above is called for. In every case I have seen (and at 70 I've seen this question asked on many cars, many times) the response is ALWAYS "There is no advantage in using a higher octane than what the manufacturer recommends.". In other words, stick with 91. I would guess that in a situation I have not seen , experienced, or heard of, where a person was getting knocking with 91 then possibly a higher rated fuel might help. But I really don't see that happening with a 30 YO, stock, 940.
Volvo engines are designed for optimum performance on unleaded premium gasoline with an octane rating, AKI of 91, or above. AKI (ANTI KNOCK INDEX) is an average of the Research Octane Number, RON, and the Motor Octane Number, MON, (RON + MON/ 2). The minimum octane requirement is AKI 87 (RON 91).
Gasoline Containing Alcohol and Ethers
"Oxygenated fuels"
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing "oxygenates" which are usually alcohols or ethers. In some areas, state or local laws require that the service pump be marked indicating use of alcohol or ethers. However, there are areas in which the pumps are unmarked. If you are not sure whether there is alcohol or ethers in the gasoline you buy, check with the service station operator. To meet seasonal air quality restrictions, some states require the use of "oxygenated" fuel in certain areas.
Volvo allows the use of the following "oxygenated fuels"; however, the octane ratings listed on this page must still be met.
Alcohol -- Ethanol
Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol by volume may be used.
Ethanol may also be referred to as Ethyl alcohol, or "Gasohol".
Ethers -- MTBE
Fuels containing up to 15% MTBE may be used.
So, an octane of 91 or above is called for. In every case I have seen (and at 70 I've seen this question asked on many cars, many times) the response is ALWAYS "There is no advantage in using a higher octane than what the manufacturer recommends.". In other words, stick with 91. I would guess that in a situation I have not seen , experienced, or heard of, where a person was getting knocking with 91 then possibly a higher rated fuel might help. But I really don't see that happening with a 30 YO, stock, 940.
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