A common question that we hear from new Cadillac owners is, “Do Cadillacs use premium gas?” For most modern Cadillac models, the answer is “yes,” especially models with turbocharged or high-performance V-Series engines. Premium fuel, specifically 91 octane or higher, is strongly recommended for your luxury performance vehicle. At Fields Cadillac St. Augustine, we can explain why using the right fuel is so important.
Why Premium Fuel Is Recommended
Cadillac engines, like the 2.0-liter Turbo engine in the Cadillac XT5 or the powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine in the Cadillac Escalade, are high-compression and precision-engineered. Premium fuel has a higher octane rating than other types of fuel, making it more resistant to pre-detonation, also known as engine knock or pinging. These advanced Cadillac engines are specifically tuned to use this higher-octane fuel to produce their advertised horsepower and torque figures safely.
What Happens if You Use Regular Gas?
Using a lower octane fuel (like regular 87 octane) in an engine designed for premium typically won’t cause immediate, catastrophic damage. However, it will have a noticeable effect. The onboard computer in your Cadillac car will detect the lower-quality fuel and automatically reduce the performance to prevent knock. This means that it will slow down the ignition timing and reduce turbo boost, which results in significantly reduced horsepower, slower acceleration, and potentially worse fuel economy.
Protecting V-Series Performance
Using premium fuel is especially important for high-performance V-Series models like the Cadillac CT4-V, CT5-V, and Escalade-V. These high-output engines often require premium fuel to handle their immense power. Using regular fuel in these models can lead to engine damage over time.
Trust Our Certified Cadillac Experts in St. Augustine, FL
Using the correct fuel is the easiest way to protect your Cadillac model over time. If you have questions about the specific requirements for your model, the certified technicians at Fields Cadillac St. Augustine are here to help. Visit us today!
