Do Volvos Use Premium Gas?

If you’re anything like me, you will have wondered what all the other different gasoline options were the first time you filled up your car. One is diesel, one is regular, and one is premium, which sounds pretty fancy. It would stand to reason that such “fancy” gas would be well suited to a fancy car such as, say, a Volvo.

Most Volvos do use premium gas. It has been advised by Volvo manufacturers that Volvo vehicles be given premium gas for best performance. Using regular gas, while not recommended, usually won’t immediately cause engine problems, but will over time. However, T6 and T8 vehicles require premium fuel.

So, the next question you’re probably asking yourself is why is premium gas so different from regular gas? There are a couple of things that set the two of these fuel types apart, and if you are the owner of a Volvo, it’s a good idea to learn what those are. Let’s talk about a few of those differences.

What Kind of Gas Does a Volvo Use?

So, what exactly is so special about premium gas? Premium gas generally has 91 levels of octane, and regular gas has lower levels. Additionally, premium gas has agents that can help to clean the fuel injectors when it’s put in the car. Regular gas nowadays has many of the same agents, but premium gas with its high octane levels is more suited for high-functioning vehicles like Volvos.

There is also a myth that premium gas increases your gas mileage and improves fuel economy but this is typically untrue. In fact, it could make the opposite true if you use it in the wrong kind of vehicle. If you use it in a performance vehicle, it could very well improve that car’s performance.

If you use it in a car that doesn’t require premium fuel, it will likely decrease the overall performance. Not to mention that’s extra money you’re spending unnecessarily.

Most Volvo vehicles do require premium gas. If you happen to use regular gas in your car, there should not be any immediate problems. For some Volvos, regular gas won’t cause any problems, even with regular use. Premium gas is recommended simply because it helps the car’s engine to function at optimal performance.

Volvos with T8 and T6 engines are exceptions to this, however. Volvo suggests that only 91-level unleaded octane fuel be given to these cars because otherwise, engine problems could occur. It is also recommended that, if possible, you use top-tier detergent gasoline that will increase your car’s performance even more.

Do You Have to Use Premium Gas in Volvo XC60?

The truth is, it depends on the engine type. If you have a Volvo XC60 and you have chosen a T6 or T8 option, you would do well to keep up the habit of using premium gas. If you fill your car’s gas tank with regular gas once or twice, it won’t hurt. However, before long, you might be facing unwanted consequences and a few issues with your engine.

What Happens if You Don’t Use Premium Gas in a Volvo?

By now you must be wondering what will happen if you end up using the wrong gasoline one too many times in your car. Don’t worry, it’s not as though the car will explode, but you might wind up facing something you’d rather not by the end of the day. Here’s what your car might experience.

The most common symptom of fuel misuse is a knocking engine. Technically it’s called pre-ignition, but it was so dubbed engine knock because of the sound it makes while you drive. You might be tempted to simply ignore the sound and just deal with it. However, that’s quite possibly the worst thing you could do.

Ignoring engine knock will not make the problem go away. If your engine does start knocking after you’ve been using regular gas for a while, try switching back to premium and see if that helps make the sound go away. If the sound does not go away, take the car to a mechanic as soon as possible and see if they can get it fixed.

If you have the good fortune to have them get it fixed, then hopefully you will have learned your lesson and you won’t use anything other than premium gas again. If you’re unclear about anything, the best thing you can do is call the nearest Volvo dealership. They’ll be able to tell you just about anything you need to know.

Taking Care of the Engine

Aside from using the right fuel, there are a few other things you should do to take care of your car’s engine. This includes cleaning, oil changing, and regular checkups that will keep your car in excellent shape. Here are a few things you ought to do.

Make sure you are regularly changing your car’s oil. Dirty oil corrodes the oil tank and makes it harder for it to stay in good shape. Additionally, dirty oil can cause great distress to your car’s engine. Change the oil as regularly as is necessary and that will surely keep the engine running smoothly.

Running your car through the carwash can never hurt. However, you’ll also want to give the engine a good cleaning from time to time so nothing gets so dirty as to be corroded.

Use an anti-greasing agent and some water to spritz and wipe away as much grease and dirt as possible. Doing this every so often is a great way to keep the engine working well and looking shiny and clean and new.

Finally, you’ll want to take your car in for regular checkups. When the check engine light comes on, that means you need to get the car into the shop right away. Even when the check engine light is not on, you will want to get your car serviced every so often. This is the best way to ensure that you are less likely to be surprised by anything unpleasant.