Hello I drive a 2020 Toyota Tundra. I live in New Mexico and the manual states to use 87 or higher octane or Regular. But here our regular is 86. Would there be any damage done for using 86 instead of 87? I've heard it'd be fine because of the high altitude but I'm worried I'll damage the engine. Currently I've been using only mid grade.
We are talking about a difference of 1 octane (so 86 vs. 87 and not 86 versus 93 or 91) so you will probably be fine. I would use 86 and if there is no knocking continue to use it. In modern cars, the ECU should compensate for the lower octane and again we are only talking about 1 octane difference.
As another example, for some performance cars in the owner’s manual state 93 octane required but some states only carry 91 octane, and yet those vehicles are sold (brand new) in those states. It turns out 91 is fine for those vehicles although there may be a small drop in power produced but the engine will not be damaged.
what does your owner's manual say?
If it doesn't knock then it's probably fine.
I've heard it'd be fine because of the high altitude
True.
Altitude effectively decreases cylinder compression ratio by a significant amount.
The owner's manual says 87 Octane or higher.
I would just use the 86. Physics is physics.
Can I use the 85
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[ merged with previous answer. ]
Probably ok, but careful to not void your warranty.
I have a 2021 Tacoma and live at high elevation and the regular gas at the pump is 85 on the mid is 87. Can I use the 85(my manual states regular 87) but was wondering if the altitude made a difference.
