Good evening folks,

Here in Canada, we have 3 (sometimes 4) grades of no-lead fuel types, depending on the octane percentage in each grade.

I always thought that the premium fuel (octane level 96 or higher) was the best to use as it would run cleaner and better on my 960. I spoke with an avid volvo-er today who mentioned his 960 burned out a valve because he used the highest octane fuel all the time, and his engine ran extremely hot.
He recommends using "regular" unleaded with octane less than 90.

Any thoughts?

 

Use what the manual recommends. More octane will hurt power and mileage.

 

considering the 960 has a 10.7:1 compression ratio premium would be the route. though i would stick closer to 92-94, these cars don't need racing fuel lol

 

I have alway been told by Volvo mechanics to use 87. The manual says that 87 is the minimum recommended and they will run fine on it. The manual recommends 91, and I always pump 93. Our pumps offer 87 / 89 / 93.