2000 VW Passat recomended fuel

2000 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
96,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
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2000 VW Passat 1.8L mileage: 96,000. I've seen lots of questions on your site regarding whether you can use 87 octane fuel in a car that recommends 91 octane premium. You reply to most of them that 87 is okay. But on a couple, you say to stick to 91. What's the differing factor in these? My engine is a turbo-charged 4-cylinder. Is it best to stick with premium fuel on any turbo, or is there something else to take into consideration? Todd.
Oct 12, 2010 at 11:33 PM
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Some cars have knock sensors that adjust timing for different grades of fuel and some do not. On cars equipped with a knock sensor and where the manufacturer recommends 91 octane, a lower octane fuel can be tried because the knock sensor will adjust the timing for the lower grade. However, performance and mileage will suffer. Now to your specific car, it most certainly will suffer if you use 87-octane fuel.
Oct 12, 2010 at 11:36 PM
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