Unleaded 88 Fuel: Is It Safe for Your Vehicle? | E15 Guide

Unleaded 88 is quite similar to unleaded 87, with the primary distinction being its higher ethanol content in the fuel blend. It poses no risk to vehicles typically fueled with 87 or 89 octane. However, if your vehicle requires unleaded 91, it’s best to avoid switching to lower octane fuels like 87, 88, or 89.

Will unleaded 88 harm my vehicle?

At the gas pump, you’re likely familiar with the standard options: 87, 89, 91, and diesel. Knowing these fuel grades helps you confidently choose the appropriate one for your car’s needs.

Once you select a fuel grade, most drivers stick with it for the life of their vehicle. Car manufacturers typically recommend against switching to a lower octane fuel if you regularly use a higher-grade option.

But what exactly is unleaded 88, and how does it differ from other fuels?

One key fact about unleaded 88 is that it’s completely safe for your vehicle. Though it’s a relatively new fuel option, it’s compatible with all vehicle types. Think of it as an additional choice for fueling your car.

If you accidentally fill your tank with unleaded 88, rest assured, your vehicle will not suffer any adverse effects.

So, what is unleaded 88? It’s a recently introduced fuel blend with a higher ethanol content compared to unleaded 87, giving it a slightly higher octane rating.

Unleaded 88 contains 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline, while unleaded 87 has 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline.

Need more reassurance about unleaded 88’s safety? That’s understandable—no one wants to risk damaging their vehicle with an unfamiliar fuel.

If unleaded 88 is new to you, you might be hesitant. Here’s another fact: most vehicles manufactured in the last decade are designed to handle unleaded 88 without issues.

You can consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific guidance on using unleaded 88. Most manuals include information about this fuel type.

When reviewing your manual, check the minimum octane rating required for your vehicle and whether it can operate efficiently with a 15% ethanol blend.

Since unleaded 87 contains only 10% ethanol, you may notice slight performance differences when using unleaded 88.

Due to its higher ethanol content, unleaded 88 might slightly reduce your vehicle’s fuel efficiency compared to unleaded 87.

Expect a minor reduction in mileage—around 2%. If you notice a drop closer to 10%, it may indicate an issue with another part of your engine.

Unless your vehicle’s manual explicitly prohibits unleaded 88, cars made after mid-2001 are generally compatible with it.

For vehicles manufactured between 2002 and 2015, manufacturers often recommend unleaded 87 as the optimal fuel choice.

Key facts about unleaded 88

Compared to unleaded 87, unleaded 88 is more eco-friendly due to its higher ethanol content.

Unleaded 88 burns at a lower temperature, which keeps your engine cooler during operation.

As mentioned, you might experience a slight decrease in miles per gallon (MPG), but it shouldn’t exceed a 2% reduction.

For example, if your vehicle has a 22-gallon tank and gets 32 MPG with unleaded 87, you’d typically drive 704 miles on a full tank. With unleaded 88, you might travel around 689 miles.

Avoid using unleaded 88 in gas-powered tools like lawnmowers, as this fuel shouldn’t remain in a tank for more than a month.

Only use unleaded 88 in vehicles or equipment where the fuel will be fully used within a month.

MUST READ: Does Gasoline Have An Expiration Date?

Where can I find unleaded 88?

If you’re unfamiliar with unleaded 88, you’re not alone. This fuel type isn’t widely available across North America, and many gas stations and states don’t yet offer it.

Unleaded 88 is also known as E15, referring to its 15% ethanol content.

When you find a station offering unleaded 88, you’ll likely be pleased with its price. It’s consistently cheaper than unleaded 87.

Typically, unleaded 88 costs about 20 cents less per gallon than unleaded 87. For a 10-gallon fill-up, you could save up to $2.50.

For a 25-gallon tank, savings could reach up to $8. While $8 may seem small, every bit helps when it comes to fuel costs.

Unleaded 88, or E15, is dispensed through a dedicated hose, often with a blue nozzle for easy identification.

Is unleaded 88 safe for motorcycles or ATVs?

Unleaded 88 is safe for cars, trucks, and SUVs, but it’s not recommended for motorcycles or ATVs.

We advise against using unleaded 88 in non-automotive vehicles like motorcycles. Stick to 87, 89, or 91, which are widely available at most gas stations.

Final thoughts

Unleaded 88 is a newer fuel option suitable for a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, minivans, SUVs, and hatchbacks. Always check your owner’s manual to confirm if your vehicle is compatible with unleaded 88.

However, avoid using unleaded 88 in motorcycles or ATVs. This fuel, also called E15, consists of 85% gasoline and 15% ethanol.

For gas-powered tools, stick to unleaded 87 to ensure optimal performance and avoid fuel-related issues.