Does Nissan Require Premium Gas?

With a new vehicle to take on your drives around St. Charles and St. Louis, Missouri, you're bound to have a few questions on how your new machine works. What do the dashboard lights mean? Can you fold the back row down? Does Nissan require premium gas?

The short answer is that most Nissan models run perfectly on regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane). However, a few high-performance models recommend or require premium fuel for best performance. Let’s break it down.

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What are the Different Types of Gas?

Fuel Type	Octane Rating	Common Use
Regular	87	Most everyday Nissan models
Mid-Grade	89–90	Optional, sometimes recommended
Premium	91+	High-performance or turbo engines

To start off, let's dive into your options when you pull up to the pump. Regular fuel generally has an octane rating of 87, while mid-grade sits around 89–90. Octane levels of 91 and higher are considered premium fuel.

Octane measures how easily fuel ignites—the higher the rating, the better it resists premature combustion. This resistance is especially important for turbocharged or high-compression engines, which is why some performance vehicles benefit from or require premium fuel.

When you pull up to the pump, you'll be able to tell the difference between the different nozzles, as they will each have a large number correlating to the amount of octane. While the specific numbers may vary, you can fill up anywhere as long as you know the range for your specific vehicle.

What Nissan Vehicles Require Premium Gas?

The good news: the majority of Nissan vehicles are engineered to run efficiently on regular 87-octane fuel, saving you money at the pump.

Regular Gas (87 Octane)

Nissan Rogue
Nissan Altima
Nissan Sentra
Nissan Pathfinder
Nissan Frontier

These models deliver strong performance on regular gas, making them great choices for drivers who want dependable power without higher fuel costs.

Premium Recommended (91 Octane)

Nissan Maxima (V6 engine benefits from higher octane)

While these models can run on regular fuel, using premium may improve performance and efficiency, especially in demanding driving conditions.

Premium Required (91 Octane Minimum)

Nissan GT-R (turbocharged performance engine)

If a Nissan recommends premium rather than requiring it, drivers might notice minor differences in performance and fuel efficiency when using regular gas. The best way to determine what’s right for your vehicle is to refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Benefits of Knowing Your Nissan Vehicle’s Gas Requirements

Fueling up is one of the most routine parts of owning a car, but understanding which type of gas to use can make a big difference in performance. For drivers looking to maximize their vehicle's longevity and efficiency, it's important to understand how fuel type impacts performance.

Most Nissan vehicles will run fine whether you use regular grade or premium grade fuel. If a Nissan recommends premium fuel, using it may offer benefits such as:

Smoother Acceleration: Higher octane fuel can reduce knocking and provide a more consistent power delivery.
Better Efficiency in Hot Conditions: In extreme temperatures, premium fuel can prevent pre-ignition, which helps maintain performance.
Long-Term Engine Protection: Certain high-compression engines experience less wear when using premium fuel.

Premium fuel may be better for your specific model and may help you maximize your fuel efficiency.

What Happens if You Use the Wrong Gas?

If a vehicle requires premium gas, though, using regular gas could cause more wear and tear on the engine. Regular fuel can get you where you need to go when necessary, though sticking with the recommended fuel ensures the best performance long-term.

In addition, using the wrong fuel can cause engine knocking. This occurs when fuel is burned unevenly, and the gas ignites prematurely.

Some drivers consider premium gas the best choice for any vehicle, but in most cases, regular fuel provides exactly what your engine needs. If a Nissan model is designed for regular fuel, it will perform just as efficiently without the need for premium.

Higher octane gas supports optimal performance in high-compression engines by reducing engine knock. For vehicles designed for regular fuel, using premium won’t provide extra power, improved fuel efficiency, or an extended lifespan. Instead, the car will continue to perform exactly as it was engineered to—with smooth, reliable operation on regular gas.

How to Check Your Nissan’s Fuel Requirements

Every Nissan comes with a clear recommendation on what fuel to use. Finding this information is simple:

Owner’s Manual: The official guide provides detailed specifications for fuel type.
Inside the Fuel Door: Most models have a sticker that lists the recommended octane rating.
Digital Dashboard Warnings: Some advanced Nissan models will alert you if the wrong fuel is used.

When in doubt, checking these sources ensures the right gas goes into the tank, keeping the engine in top shape.

Expert Service and Maintenance for Your Nissan

Regardless of which fuel type your Nissan requires, keeping up with regular maintenance is key to long-term performance. Routine oil changes, inspections, and tune-ups help ensure your engine stays in peak condition.

If you're looking for expert care, certified technicians are available to provide inspections, diagnostics, and service tailored to your specific Nissan model. Whether it’s a routine checkup or a more in-depth repair, professional care from our service center can help keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come.