Can you use regular unleaded fuel in the Miata or is premium fuel required?
Does the Mazda Miata Require Premium Fuel?
It’s a question just about every driver asks at some point: should I fill my car up with regular or premium fuel? Drivers concerned about the performance of their vehicle tend to wonder what type of fuel is best. So, what about the Miata? Does the Mazda Miata require premium fuel?
When it comes to these types of questions, it is always best to consult the owner’s manual. If you’re looking to find the best fuel to use in the 2016 Miata, we will cover that here. For older models, be sure to consult the owner’s manual that came with your vehicle or get in touch with us to talk more about Miata fuel requirements.
First and foremost, Mazda recommends the use of premium unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 91 or above (96 RON or above). That being said, premium fuel is not required. Regular unleaded fuel can be used with an octane rating of 87 to 90 (91 to 95 RON).
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Benefits of Using Premium Fuel in the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Though premium fuel is not required, it is recommended. For some drivers, the higher cost of premium fuel may be insignificant compared to some of the advantages they expect to find by using premium fuel in the Miata. Drivers filling up the Miata with regular unleaded fuel may see some side effects from a small reduction in performance, including a reduced engine output and engine knocking, according to the 2016 Miata owner’s manual.
It’s up to you to decide whether or not this makes its worth it for you to fill up with the premium fuel over the regular unleased fuel, but as always, we prefer to go with Mazda’s recommendation even if the Mazda Miata does not require premium fuel. When it comes to the Miata, we don’t want anything getting in the way of its thrilling driving experience.
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Most lower grade fuel (and some brands of premium fuel) contain 10-15% ethanol, which is really hard on engines. I use only high grade/test non-ethanol gas.
While I agree that non-ethanol gas is superior to commercial pump gas, it is very expensive and not required for engine longevity. Engine damage from ethanol is more problematic in small engines where gas, not treated with a fuel stabilizer, sits for extended periods of time resulting in separation of the gas and ethanol. If your storing or not using your Miata for long periods, use fuel stabilizer.
Although the majority of people pump 87 octane gas because it’s affordable. So the gas station is always stock 87 gas more frequently. So always keep in mind where you buy your 91 octane I use to test tanks and maintain there fueling system a UST technician which I also did repairs on station and alot of times 91 gas would sit and never be bought at independent stations and the gas station owner/operator wouldn’t stock alot of the 91 so it would sit often and sometimes get water built up in tanks and junk in the gas. Always pay attention on pumps that really pump slow especially if they are privately own because it usually means there dispenser filters are dirty so they pump slow. If they are own by the corporation you are usually safe since they have routine maintenance done. But just cause it’s brand name station they can still be independant and save a buck to slack off and not do there maintenance.
Well, I have to use 87 here in Florida, because that’s all they have after the hurricane, but I’ve been buying Lucas gas treatment to compensate, and I hope it helps.
The only difference I feel is in idling, vibrates a little, in 5th gear at 60mph, I am getting over 30 miles per gallon, not bad.
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