[Stuart Goldstein]

is there any definitive answer on the right grade of gas in the q3?

we also have an a3 conv with the same engine and use regular most of the time without much apparent performance loss

what about mid grade?

 

[rnlabas]

A lot of factors particularly driving behavior can affect how these engines respond to fuel grades, but Audi recommends premium in most of its 2.0 TFSIs - I say most because there are a few FlexFuel engines that are tuned for mid grades or "regular" or even E85. The Q3 does NOT have this type of engine. I run premium all the time as it burns cleaner and provides peak rated power - for me a point of driving. The extra 10 cents a gallon doesn't motivate me to risk potentially higher maintenance costs later or for the next owner - just my 2 cents ...

 

[Monsoon]

Use the Octane that is listed on the fuel door. It is there for a reason.

 

[john]

I am searching for the article now but the Feds published a study that as long as your vehicle does not require it, you are fine to use the lower octane. Once I read that I started running the 87. No difference that I can detect, which is what the article indicated. Audi recommends it for maximum performance but not require it.
My view is opposite of Rogers so point for me!
John

 

[Monsoon]

If the motor should have a problem and its Octane related kiss the warranty goodbye. The techs know what they are looking at. Not trying to debate this. It's your Q3. Use what is recommended by Audi or take your chances. Your ride. Your money.

 

[Klassic]

That's pretty much it. Whatever manufacturer recommends is what should be used. There really is no reason for there ever to be a debate on this.

 

[Demo8]

I'm derv so can't comment


German engineering

 

[Quatto]

That's pretty much it. Whatever manufacturer recommends is what should be used. There really is no reason for there ever to be a debate on this.

That's exactly my approach to deciding what gas to run. Plus running anything lower might impact warranty, and running anything higher is just a waste of money and even fuel (I heard it can burn faster), so recommended is...recommended.

 

[cableguy]

Not a hard decision here due to low mileage....let's see, I average about 30 gallons a month excluding a few times where we take a longer trip, and there's a $0.10 difference between mid grade and "premium" (sometimes called "super"). So we're talking about spending another $3.00 a month or $36 a year plus another $10-20 for those longer trips. Why take any risk.

 

[InnyAudi]

In my area, we only have 87, 89 and 93 octane. The difference between 87 and 93 is $.60 so that is roughly $10.00 per fill difference. That is not insignificant. Having said that, I've also chosen to use premium as well because of warranty concerns. My head tells me they can't possibly get you on using regular gas since premium is recommended but NOT required. But I still worry.

On a somewhat different note, I've noticed a lot of emphasis on using top-tier gas recently. Costco even has their pumps marked as top tier. And the gas buddy app now has top tier stations designated now. Just interesting.

 

[Monsoon]

In my area, we only have 87, 89 and 93 octane. The difference between 87 and 93 is $.60 so that is roughly $10.00 per fill difference. That is not insignificant. Having said that, I've also chosen to use premium as well because of warranty concerns. My head tells me they can't possibly get you on using regular gas since premium is recommended but NOT required. But I still worry.

On a somewhat different note, I've noticed a lot of emphasis on using top-tier gas recently. Costco even has their pumps marked as top tier. And the gas buddy app now has top tier stations designated now. Just interesting.

Have not heard of top tier gas but it has been said not to fill if the Tanks are being filled. I tend to use Sunoco, Wawa. In Florida I use Speedway mainly because their pumps have a security strip on the box. I did get "skimmed" at a local Mobil.

 

[InnyAudi]

Have not heard of top tier gas but it has been said not to fill if the Tanks are being filled. I tend to use Sunoco, Wawa. In Florida I use Speedway mainly because their pumps have a security strip on the box. I did get "skimmed" at a local Mobil.

Here is a good article on top tier gas: http://www.consumerreports.org/car-maintenance/study-shows-top-tier-gasoline-worth-extra-price/

And a list of retailers: http://www.toptiergas.com/retailers/

 

[Monsoon]

I am in no way disputing anyone but as far as top tier gas....never heard of it until now. Never had a fuel problem ever. Will continue to use 91-92 Oct.

 

[boblepp]

... And the manual says??

... It says you can use regular gas as an alternative to premium. In Canadian one, eh?

I doubt they can withhold warranty when you used approved regular gas.

Let the opinions flow!

 

[rnlabas]

It won't be a warranty issue as much as a maintenance one. Higher octane gas usually burns cleaner - less carbon buildup - than lower octane, and somebody will get a bill for carbon cleaning that is NOT covered by warranty anyway - whether it's you or the next guy - who knows?

Since I am keeping MY car for awhile, the extra penny (or 2) per mile is cheaper than the USD800-2K that a good carbon cleaning will cost every 40-60K miles ... and some folks won't even NOTICE the carbon issue until it's done more damage (now I'll hear from all that have 50-80K on their cars with no issues - hah!). Don't worry, if YOU don't know you have an issue, neither does Audi, and hence NO warranty claim ...

 

[boblepp]

Don't get me wrong, I use premium too. I researched the issue when I filled regular by mistake. And besides, being in Canada, our carbon buildup would only 60% of your Yankee engines. The spread in price here is more than yours but I am happy to pay it. I too will have this one a long time. We pay about $4.12 Cdn for a us gallon for regular, close tuo 87(5 for premium. Two years coming up and just 11,000 km. It's our "going out all dressed up" car.

 

[rnlabas]

I'm not getting you wrong at all - but I AM curious why you think our Yankee engines will be more 'carbonery' (I just made that up) than your Canadien ones ...

 

[boblepp]

Ahhhhh!! Subtle Canadian humor. We're metric and so everything is about sixty percent of yours... A km is about .6 miles and a dollar is about .60 USD so our carbon buildup is..... 60% because atoms in Canada are....

Too subtle sorry.

 

[rnlabas]

Hah ! THAT's just terrific - and I'm not so subtle just old (that's my idea of subtle) - atoms, shamatoms ...eh?

 

[boblepp]

Shamatoms.... I loved their music in the Sixties. Sam The Shamatoms and the Pharaohs..... I think... Nurse! more scotch!!