I have an automatic 04’ Mazda Tribute 3.0L V6 with +240,000 miles on it.
in Dec. 2020 my check engine light came on for catalytic converter low reading for both bank 1 & 2. (2 separate readings) I used a bottle of cataclean & started putting premium gas. (I don’t remember why I decided to use premium gas. I think a friend advised me because I was getting bad gas mileage) I did this before I watch your & ChrisFix videos about the different gas types & reading in my owners manual saying to only use regular unleaded gas. After a couple of weeks my check engine light went off & life was great. At the same time when my check engine light went off I discovered the info about the gases & switched back to regular... after another few weeks my check engine light came back on with the catalytic converter reading again. I can’t remember the exact dates. I feel like my mind is associating the gas and the converter because of the time I used & stopped using the premium gas and the check engine light coming on & off we’re so close together. Recently May 30th I put another cataclean & filled up with premium gas. I have the catalytic converters to replace, but I decided to save up & replace the entire exhaust pip & o2 sensors ASAP. (Which could take a few months). Around February of next year I plan on replacing the engine. My question is.. Until I replace my catalytic converter is it a good idea to continue using premium? Is it just in my head that it’s helping? It’s so expensive, am I waisting my money? Thanx In Advance
I think you are wasting your money. If an emissions inspection is not needed and your car is running okay, don't replace anything until you replace the engine. That would be the time to replace the cat and O2 sensors if they are starting to fail.
I would just live with the C.E.L.
What gas are you using when you use regular, and is it from the same station? Bad quality gas can cause the catalytic converters to throw codes when they shouldn't. Have you tried running regular from a Top Tier brand? Sometimes things are actually that easy. New cars aren't like old ones, even though bad gas still burns, the computer doesn't like some byproducts. Haha. I personally only run Shell in my vehicles. I've never had an issue with catalytic converters acting up.
I think you should save your money & buy another vehicle, instead..
If your engine isn't knocking just use regular gas higher octane is just for preventing engine knock. Now if your car calls for 93 octane use 93. If it calls for 87 use 87 no need to spend extra on something your don't need
