Ford Explorer Suggested Gasoline Types – Premium or Regular?
The Ford Explorer is the line-up of SUVs that in 1991 by the Ford Motor Company introduced. It was a replacement for the Bronco-II, which was a two-door SUV. Ford Explorer is an SUV, which has four doors. This article is going to cover all you must know about the recommended types of gasoline for Ford Explorer. So, stay tuned! As we have covered up all for you.
Let’s jot down highlights of this article for you, before we move to the details.
Hence, the manufacturers of the Ford Explorer recommend using Gasoline with a minimum Octane rating of 87, which is compatible with all of the 6 generations of the Ford Explorer. However, when it comes to towing, which is a heavy-duty task, use a Gasoline with 91 Octane grading or higher, for more efficient performance.
Ford Explorer Suggested Gasoline Types with Detail:
Below are given the detailed answers to all of your queries, from which types of fuel (gasoline or diesel) for your Ford Explorer, to the consequences of using the wrong types of gasoline, not compatible with your engine type. let’s begin, shall we?
Types of Gasoline Based on Engine’s Type
The correct types of gasoline for your Ford Explorer is selected according to its engine’s type. Given below are details, regarding the engines offered by the Explorer line-up and the compatible gasoline.
The Ford Explorer-2nd Generation-1995 to 2001
For all the engines offered by the 2nd generation Ford Explorer, gasoline with a minimum Octane rating of 87 is recommended. However, when it comes to towing or trailer-hauling, which is a heavy-duty task, Gasoline with 91 Octane grading or higher is highly recommended for more efficient performance. The premium one is not recommended when not performing any heavy-duty task, but for the V-8 engine, a higher or a mid-grade is recommended to protect its internal from any debris accumulation.
Following are the two engines that are offered by the 3rd generation of Ford Explorer.
- Ford Cologne V-6
- Ford V-8 (Small-block)
The Ford Explorer-3rd Generation-2002 to 2005
For all the engines offered by the 3rd generation Ford Explorer, Gasoline with a minimum Octane rating of 87 is recommended. However, when it comes to towing or trailer-hauling, which is a heavy-duty task, Gasoline with 91 Octane grading or higher is highly recommended for more efficient performance. If it is a flex-fuel vehicle, then E-85 can be utilized.
Following are the two engines that are offered by the 3rd generation of Ford Explorer.
- Ford Cologne V-6
- Ford Cologne V-8
The Ford Explorer-4th Generation-2006 to 2010
For all the engines, the 4th generation offers, use a regular, unleaded gasoline with 87 Octane-rating. Use only Ethanol-85, with a maximum of 10% Ethanol. No other blends (oxygenated) are recommended.
Following are the two engines that are offered by the 4th generation of Ford Explorer.
- Ford Cologne V-6
- Ford Cologne V-8
The Ford Explorer-5th Generation-2011 to 2019
For all the engines offered by the 5th generation, regular, unleaded gasoline with 87 Octane-rating or higher is recommended. Ethanol-85 is allowed with only Flex-Fuel engines, with a maximum of 15% Ethanol. When it comes to towing, which is a heavy-duty task, Gasoline with 91 Octane grading or higher is highly recommended for more efficient performance.
Following are the six engines that are offered by the 5th generation of Ford Explorer;
- 2.0 L Eco-boost
- 2.3 L Eco-boost
- 3.5 L Duratec
- 3.5 L Eco-boost
- 3.7 L Eco-boost
The Ford Explorer-6th Generation-2020 to Present-day
With all the six gasoline engines offered by the Ford Explorer’s 6th generation use a regular, unleaded gasoline with 87 Octane-rating regular or higher. Following are the six engines the 6th generation of Ford Explorer offers.
- 2.3 L Eco-boost
- 3.3 L V-6
- 3.3 L V-6 (Hybrid)
- 3.0 L V-6 with 400 break horsepower
- 3.0 L V-6 with 365 break horsepower
- 3.0 L V-6 with 444 break horsepower
Which Other Gas Varieties Are Available for Ford Explorer?
Today, we have a variety of fuel options for our automobiles. But does Ford recommend any of these for its Explorer range? Let’s find this out in the section below.
Reformulated Gasoline Fuel (RFG)
For cleaner and greener burning, Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) is produced, which causes decreased smog, and less toxic pollutants as compared to regular gasoline, having no hostile impacts. It has a nature-friendly impact, therefore, if available, RFG is recommended to be used by Ford for your Ford Explorer. It is also best recommended for the area having smog at a higher concentration, to decrease air pollution.
Can All the Generations of Ford Explorer Consume RFGs As Fuel?
You must be wondering if all six generations of Ford Explorer are eligible for using Reformulation Gasoline Fuel, so the answer to this is, YES! It has been suggested to consume RFG, for all of the Ford Explorer’s generations.
E-85 or Gasoline/Oxygenated Blends
For obvious reasons, E-85 is mentioned when discussing ethanol-mixed gasoline. Until 2002, Ford Explorer was incompatible with the E-85 or gasoline/ethanol blends. But it continued to be compatible with the Ford Explorer, from 2002 to 2005, only if it is a vehicle with a Flex-Fuel engine. The maximum percentage of ethanol to be used with gasoline engines (regular unleaded) is 10%. Your emission system and fuel tanks could be damaged if used more percentage of ethanol. The maximum percentage of ethanol which has been allowed to be used, since 2013 till present, with an unleaded, regular gasoline engine tank, is 15%. However, if your Ford Explorer is having a Flex-Fuel engine, it is E-85 compliant and safe to utilize E-85 fuel. Recommended is the regular gasoline (unleaded) with 91 Octane-rating or higher.
We’re guessing someone thought of Ford Fusion? Read: Types of Gasoline Ford Fusion Uses – Everything You Must Know!
Gas with Added Materials
Gasoline having Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl, (MMT), which improves octane. It also seizes the knocking noise produced by engines. Do not use additives, specifically Manganese-based for your Ford Explorer (1991-Present).
Want to Read More on Ford’s other vehicles? Check this out! Types Of Gasoline All Generations of A Ford Escape Takes
Biodiesels
Biodiesel oils are very nature friendly since they are soyabean oil derivatives. Canola and yellow grease are the sources and are biodegradable. But for Ford Explorer’s engines (for all six generations), do not use biodiesels, since they are only compatible with diesel-based engines, which Ford’s line-up of Explorer do not offer.
Question and Answer Section!
Why Is My Engine Knocking Right After Refueling?
If you use a lower octane-rated gasoline, it degrades the performance and economy of the engine. Gasoline will burn prematurely, if you put a lower octane gas in an engine with higher compression, causing an unsmooth burn and engine knock. Hence, it is extremely crucial to use the correct gasoline fuel with the correct octane grading.
I heard a fainting knocking sound from the engine, which indicates no danger. But if you hear a loud knocking sound, then it is due to the usage of a lower quality and lower octane-rate gasoline.
How Should I Know If My Ford Explorer is a Flex-Fuel?
A yellow bezel surrounding the inlet of the fuel tank indicates that your vehicle is flex-fuel. If you are unable to find it there, then you can check out the door of your fuel tank as well.
If your Ford Explorer has a Flex-Fuel emblem as well as a yellow gas tank cap, it signifies it is E-85 compliant and safe to utilize E-85 fuel.
What Do the Ford Explorer’s Drivers Recommend? Regular or Premium Gasoline?
Several drivers of the Ford explorer say that the regular gasoline with 87 Octane-rating has proved to work well for them but the ones using the premium gasoline with 91 or higher (93) Octane rating has proved to work much better for them.
Some also say that they feel no obvious difference, while others say, they do feel an obvious difference and recommend using the premium one, especially when it comes to tough duty tasks such as trailer-hailing or towing, and during certain weather conditions such as very hot ones. Few also considered the cost, since the premium ones are a bit more expensive than the regular, unleaded ones.
Conclusion:
To conclude, the manufacturers of the Ford Explorer, and all the other experienced mechanics, recommend using gasoline with a minimum Octane rating of 87, which is compatible with all of the 6 generations of the Ford Explorer. Before I wrap up the article make sure to check our previous guide on types of fuel Chevrolet Malibu takes for every single generation.
However, when it comes to towing, which is a heavy-duty task, use a Gasoline with 91 Octane grading or higher, for more efficient performance.
