I will be picking up my new sonic tues!!! I am really excited! I was wondering what gas you guys think I should put in it. This is my first new car. I had a used car before so I just put the cheapest gas that was available. I was thinking of filling up with premium in this car, but then I heard that it is just a rumor that premium is better for your engine. What would you guys recommend?
Gas for first fill up?
- Thread starter Primenay
- Start date
sx sonic
New member
Put in any octane you want as long as it meets the minimum requirement (87). Some claim marginally better running and mpg with premium..... Some don't.
Then get said octane from a reputable "top tier" station, as they meet a minimum set quality standard. Google "top tier gas" and a site will quickly come up on the search that meets the standard.
Shell, Exxon Mobile are 2 examples.
There are many more examples and discussions about fuel in many, many other threads in this forum that will further awnser your question.
Then get said octane from a reputable "top tier" station, as they meet a minimum set quality standard. Google "top tier gas" and a site will quickly come up on the search that meets the standard.
Shell, Exxon Mobile are 2 examples.
There are many more examples and discussions about fuel in many, many other threads in this forum that will further awnser your question.
Macehammer
New member
No need to run premium if you are looking for added mpg. Premium gives better performance, not better mpg.
Kuntryboy865
New member
I run 93 but thats because im trying to get the most out of my tune bit when it was stock I ran 87
Papasonic
Active member
Premium isn't necessary. Top tier fuel; 87 octane, without ethanol is an excellent choice for your Sonic.
My recommendation for no ethanol is because regular fuel has a higher BTU content, and normally will give greater fuel economy. Also there will be less fuel system component degradation over time with regular fuel vs ethanol blends. This is my opinion based on my experience and research; others will have differing opinions I'm sure.
My recommendation for no ethanol is because regular fuel has a higher BTU content, and normally will give greater fuel economy. Also there will be less fuel system component degradation over time with regular fuel vs ethanol blends. This is my opinion based on my experience and research; others will have differing opinions I'm sure.
Swordsmith
242hp/252 ft-lbs BNR EFI
Is that a thing, top tier fuel without ethanol? Because I have never seen it. The only 100% gasoline pumps I have seen have all been tiny independent stations who use this as a leverage to get some customers in. But it's mystery gas.
I use 87 when I am trying to economize, and E85 whenever I want more fun. I have pretty much abandoned 93 as a compromise that does neither particularly well, when I have it I am spending more per mile (even if I might be getting slightly better mpg, it doesn't seem to be enough to compensate for the higher price) and I still feel like I'm in a low power version of my car (maybe it's better than 87 but it's sure no E85)
I use 87 when I am trying to economize, and E85 whenever I want more fun. I have pretty much abandoned 93 as a compromise that does neither particularly well, when I have it I am spending more per mile (even if I might be getting slightly better mpg, it doesn't seem to be enough to compensate for the higher price) and I still feel like I'm in a low power version of my car (maybe it's better than 87 but it's sure no E85)
T-BONE
New member
I would say the first question should be what engine do you have? IMO with the 1.8L NA, you are far safer using 87. Being the 1.4 T has a turbocharger I would be more inclined to stick with high octane fuels (91/93). Forced induction in other platforms demands premium fuel to avoid knock. In the Sonic (as I have been told here) there is a dual Map in the ECU (car's computer) that retards timing in the 1.4 T so you avoid knock and can use 87 if it is needed. The Long-term reliability of the turbo on 87 is certainly not settled here.
In fuel regards the sonic is an odd car. Most cars call for a specific grade and using an octane too low or too high will cause problems. The 1.4T i recently acquired for my kid only gets premium. If she had the 1.8 I would have her use regular and call it a day.
In fuel regards the sonic is an odd car. Most cars call for a specific grade and using an octane too low or too high will cause problems. The 1.4T i recently acquired for my kid only gets premium. If she had the 1.8 I would have her use regular and call it a day.
To be honest, I don't think higher octane is needed for these engines. You are correct, boosted motors tend to run more hot thus needing higher octane to resist the effects. I did not know that the sonic had 2 timing tables and if that is true. I do know the cobalt ss had something like that but it was stated in the owners manual.
Papasonic
Active member
I agree with your observation that ethanol free top tier fuels are not easy to find. Where I live, the only one is Phillips. I use a lot of BP ethanol free and Cenex with ethanol fuel, but these aren't top tier rated. An occasional dose of Seafoam fuel treatment makes me feel better about not using top tier fuels exclusively.
mowcowbell
New member
Per the owners manual on page 9-33: Recommended fuel of 87 octane or higher. I could have sworn I saw something in the manual stating the 1.4L Turbo had a recommended octane of 91, but I did not find that in the manual.
Darin
Darin
