Does anyone use regular fuel instead of premium? If so what can I expect? 2001 s40.

 

I don't have an answer to your question about premium vs regular, but I run the mid-range octane (89) in my 2000 S40 without issue, and have been considering trying regular myself.

 

We've had a 2008 S40 2.4i for about 3 weeks and have been running regular (87) with no noticeable issues........but again, it's only been 500 miles.........according to the manual, it appears 87 oct. is acceptable. Here in North Texas, most stations have 87 - 89 - 91/92

 

In the UK regular unleaded is 95 octane. Super unleaded is 97 octane and in some places 99 octane.. On the fuel cap it recommends minimum of 91 octane.

So your 84 must be below standard for the engine unless it is modified for the U.S.

With 95 octane my average is 37mpg.

2000 S40 1.8 XS

 

if you care about the long term performance of your s40 you'll use premium octane fuel in the car. Your s40 is running a 12t turbo and with turbos it is HIGHLY recommended that you use premium fuel, which is 93 octane.

 

You will be just fine on reg unleaded. If you hear any pinging, bump it up a grade. Tom

 

thats absurd...use regualr unleaded and then once you hear the damage upgrade?! Not very good advice...the reason you use premium octane in a turbocharged car is because your car relies on the high octane for the turbocharger. In my opinion there's no debate on what sort of gas to use in any turbocharged vehicle.

 

So is UK fuel higher grade than US fuel? As I said our regular unleaded is 95 octane.

 

The "norm" here in Texas is: 87 - 89 - 91/92

BUT, this is the difference..............

In most countries (including all of Europe and Australia) the "headline" octane that would be shown on the pump is the RON, but in the United States, Canada and some other countries the headline number is the average of the RON and the MON, sometimes called the Anti-Knock Index (AKI), Road Octane Number (RdON), Pump Octane Number (PON), or (R+M)/2. Because of the 8 to 10 point difference noted above, this means that the octane in the United States will be about 4 to 5 points lower than the same fuel elsewhere: 87 octane fuel, the "regular" gasoline in the US and Canada, would be 91-92 in Europe. However most European pumps deliver 95 (RON) as "regular", equivalent to 90-91 US (R+M)/2, and even deliver 98 (RON) or 100 (RON).

 

+1 to banditz71. Excellent explanation. You have to watch the AKI/Rons. Here in the states, I got about 10% better fuel mileage with premium vs. regular, and I check every tank. The extra cost here in PA is about 11%. Since the manual said regular is acceptable, but premium is recommended, and everywhere I read says the higher octane is better for turbo longevity, I use premium. Never had knocking on regular, just for 1% net cost, I figure it will pay off later in terms of length of service.

 

65 mustang is correct.... a couple of years ago, I tried 2 tanks of regular (87) just to see if there was any difference. Performance wise was about the same, however, my MPG also was off by about 10% which easily cancelled out any $$$ savings.

Stick with the premium.

'02 V40.

 

That's interesting........thanks!

Also, I can't take full credit for that Octane explanation........I had to do some research to find that "detailed" info.

 

I have 86,000 + miles on my 01 s40 and I ve been using 89 since I bought it ......
gas has been getting very expense so I switched to 87 this week with no noticable issues
except the money thats staying in my pocket...........
ive also noticed when i go to the gas station every one puts in 87 lol

 

I've had a 2002 S40 for about 6 months. Switched between regular and premium several time with no noticeable difference in mileage or
performance. Sticking with regular since I don't run it hard. Never noticed pinging with either.

 

you guys! you won't notice any short term difference in performance switching back to regular, buts its unhealthy for your fuel system including your injectors..volvo recommends premium for a reason..

 

I have to jump in, I used regular for a long time in mine and finally wised up and starting using premium...mileage got better for my long trips from Milwaukee to Cincy..but I also noticed a performance boost as well..and no it's not in my head!
the higher the rating the better it runs through your car, if you wanted to use 87 you should have bought a focus or a cavalier...these are Volvo's people!! take care of your babies!

 

Bump...new '09 S40 owner (T5 AWD) here...

According to the owner's manual you should be able to run 87 octane without an impact to engine reliability. That said, I'm wondering if putting in premium will make a difference...

I'm also wondering if I'll get enough of an increase in MPG with premium to compensate for at least most of the additional cost.

 

we can definitely tell a difference in mileage per tank when we use regular. The only time we use regular is if the station is out of premium, which is rare.

 

I've decided to run 93 for a while and see how things go...good thing is that I can always fall back on 87 if prices shoot up.

 

The dealer told me to run regular in my 05 S60, but couldn't conclusively tell me why. I have never heard such shenanigans. I'm going plus until I figure this out.