87 octane gas - no choice (Hurricane Harvey). Could use some advice
 

Hello, forum. I'm new here, but have been driving and loving my 2014 FR-S (automatic transmission) for the past 3 years. I've never put less than 93 octane gas in it before, and I understand that using 87 octane gas is wasteful, stupid, and really just a bad idea all around. I've read those threads, so we can skip that part.

However, thanks to Hurricane Harvey, there is now a severe gas shortage all over Texas. Starting 8/30, more than half of the gas stations here in Austin were out of gas entirely. I had about a quarter tank of 93 octane and this morning I waited in line an hour at one of the only stations with gas to get 5 gallons of 87 octane fuel in my car (this was the only fuel available.)

I'm no mechanic, but my basic understanding is that the car's computer will notice the lower octane gas and make some adjustments to both lower the power and up the fuel consumption in an attempt to keep the engine from damaging itself. For once I'm getting an advantage out of having the automatic, as it can basically force you to drive gently/efficiently as long as you keep your pedal off the floor.

However, I'm really not sure how long it'll be before I can put 93 octane gas in my car. Any advice about what I should do until the gas crisis is resolved? Should I avoid driving altogether and try to Uber everywhere, or do you think I'll be okay assuming this doesn't go on for weeks/months? I'd really, really like to avoid shelling out thousands of dollars in repairs thanks to a situation totally out of my control.

Thanks in advance, everyone. Looks like you've got a great forum here.

Yes the computer should detune as noted. Maybe mixing in some octane booster from pepboys could get you by. I think you need a good amount of that stuff to move it up a point though.

It'll be fine, just baby the car until you can get 93 in it again.

Don't worry about it. Just don't hit the track. I have had to put 87 in when in the middle of nowhere a couple of times and to be honest I can't even tell the difference when doing "normal" street driving.
Certainly would not recommend all the time but a few tanks worth will harm nothing

Just drive mellow, you and the car will be fine.

It's early, OP. Check back later for the replies that tell you that you are going destroy your engine.

Like said above, it will be OK. Just drive gently.


humfrz

Thanks for the prompt replies everyone, that puts my mind at ease. Can't wait for this gas shortage to resolve itself.

Same for the rest of us in North America! We may not be out of gas but the storm has forced the prices through the roof. Currently my local stations are running around $5.30 a gallon for 91. At least one station I usually use says no premium for at least a week.


On the bright side we still have cars to put gas in and homes to drive them to which is more than many down there can say at this point.

Oh ya, they will be along shortly. And they will argue it to the death!

Yep prices have jump up here in the Northeast too.

If it's something you want to watch, you can get an OBD reader and monitor your Timing Advance, FLKC Fine learning knock curve, STFT and LTFT Short term and long term fuel trims. You'll be able to see the adjusted values in real time.

Amen.

Join the Austin 86 Club on Facebook. Few members have found 93 in the area.