Buick Q&A

2001 Buick Regal Question: Will it hurt this engine if regular unleaded is used instead of super unleaded?

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Visitor, 3.8L V6 Supercharged, San Antonio, TX, October 24, 2010, 10:05

If I use regular unleaded in this car one week and then next time it needs gas use Super Unleaded (alternating due to costs of gasoline) will it hurt the engine? The cost of gasoline is really expensive on this car. I purchased it as a first car for my daughter, we love the car, it runs great, but I am always having to pay for gasoline every week. Do you have any tips on how to save gasoline for this hungry beast? Thanks, Supercharge Girl....

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Answer #1

patrick mannion from Greg Solow's Engine Room, October 24, 2010, 10:24

Master

I would use the octane rating suggested for your engine. The engine does use a "knock sensor" it retards the ignition timing if it senses poor quality fuel. At least run the middle grade gas.

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supercharge girl, October 25, 2010, 10:26

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okay that is what I thought, but my husband is complaining about the cost of gas this car uses and he is telling my daughter to use regular unleaded gas, I have heard that it is not good if the owners manual says to use a higher octane.....I thought maybe we could alternate fuels but I dont want to risk it....thanks for your reply.

Supercharge girl.

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Answer #2

Visitor, December 22, 2010, 12:52

yes it will hurt to use regular unleaded gas for ur buick regal supercharged...this car is supposed to use high octane gas..!! if u use regular ur car will start feeling weird..i mean it will start pulling and pushing...is hard to explain but is more less how it will feel...i own one and is a great car...my sister did this one time i know how it feels..try not not to do this!! use super unleaded..i use vpower from shell all the time!!

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