Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
No, it will not cause damage. You simply need to run whatever is the minimum recommended octane. If it's 87, the car will run fine on 87. There is no difference between 87 and 93 of the same brand, except for the octane rating, they both contain the same additive packages. Premium only provides a benefit if your car requires it.
The Nissan VQ (V6) engines have a high enough compression ratio that premium fuel is recommended by the manufacturer. Under some conditions detonation will occur when using lower octane fuel and damage could occur. I have a '98 with basicly the same engine and have found that mid-grade fuel can be used (89 octane) but would not recommend regular fuel.
I believe that 93 is the minimum octane rating for a Nissan Maxima. Running a lower octane will result in the car's computer adjusting the timing to prevent pre-detonation (knocking). You will get less power from the engine and in the end may get worse gas mileage and not save any money.
I would recommend using 93 octane. You'll get more power, and not run the risk of pre-detonation which will eventually damage the lifters...
Do the math and you see there is very little difference
15 gallons X $2.99 = $44.85
15 gallons X $3.15 = $47.25
Well, there you go. The 2003 Maxima recommends premium, which is most likely equates to 91 or better. Like I said, use whatever the manufacturer recommends anything more isn't needed, anything less will result in lower performance.
I have a 2000 Nissan Maxima and I have to buy 89 octane gas and make sure there is no ethanol in it. If not, the car really knocks and pings. Other than that the car is excellent, have almost 170,000 miles on it. Been an outside sales rep for the past 15 years and I usually burn out a car every 3 years or so, but my Maxima has lasted me over 6 years.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
