Audi Q5 Gas Type: Regular or Premium? Find Out What’s Best!
Are you the owner of an Audi Q5? Awesome!
But when it’s time to refuel, you’re always battling with the same question: regular or premium gas?
The Audi Q5 can run on regular (87 octane), mid-grade (89 octane), or premium (91/93 octane) gas. Although regular gas is safe, Audi and many experts recommend using premium gas to maximize performance and the engine’s lifespan.
In today’s article, we’ll dive deep into the Audi Q5’s recommended fuel type and hopefully help you make an informed decision.
Let’s fuel up on some knowledge!
At a Glance: What gas can be used for your Audi Q5?
Alright, let’s get straight to the point.
You’re here because you want to know what gas to use for your Audi Q5 without diving into all the technical jargon. Gotcha!
- For the standard Audi Q5: If your car is the base model with the 2.0-liter TFSI turbo engine, it’ll drive just fine with regular (87 octane) gas. However, the experts (and your car’s manual) recommend using premium (91 octane) gas. Why? We’ll discuss it in a bit, but in a nutshell, it’s all about taking care of your engine.
- For the high-performance Audi models: Driving an SQ5 with the 3.0-liter V6 engine? First off, nice choice! In that case, it’s a clear call; the Audi SQ5 requires premium (at least 91 octane) gas. Sure, it can tolerate regular gas occasionally, but for that thrilling performance you bought it for, premium gas is the way to go.
- Tuned Audi Q5: If you’ve given your (base) Audi Q5 a tune (for example, using a RaceChip), then be sure to use premium (at least 91 octane) fuel.
If you prefer a table overview, here is what you should know:
| Category | Type | Is It OK? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | Regular (87 octane) | ✓ | Minimum required octane level by Audi, the car will run safely. |
| Gas | Mid-grade (89 octane) | ✓ | |
| Gas | Premium (91 octane) | ✓ | Recommended octane level by Audi, the engine will be more resistant to knocking. |
| Gas | Premium (93 octane) | ✓ | |
| Gas | Ethanol-based (E10) | ✓ | Same as the typical gas at most pumps. |
| Gas | Ethanol-based (E15) | ! | Not optimal for the car, but it won’t be a danger in the short term. It can only be used for Audi Q5s from 2001 or newer. |
| Gas | Ethanol-based (E85) | ! | Mostly not OK. It can only be used if your Q5 has a flex-fuel system. |
| Gas | Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) | ✓ | A type of gas that burns more cleanly, about 30% of the gas sold in the US is RFG. (Source) |
| Additives | Fuel injector cleaner | ! | Be careful; it can potentially damage the engine when overused. |
| Additives | Octane booster | ! | Be careful; it can damage the engine when misused. |
| Additives | Fuel stabilizer | ! | Be careful; it can damage the engine when misused. |
Stick around if you’d like a deeper dive into why these recommendations exist. Otherwise, happy driving, and treat that Audi well!
Does an Audi Q5 require regular or premium gas?
Time to delve a little deeper!
Per the owner’s manual of an Audi Q5, regular gas (87 octane) is the minimum required fuel type, but premium gas (91 octane) is recommended:
In simple terms, if you fill up your Audi Q5 with regular (87 octane) gas, it will run safely. Any lower-octane fuel (lower than 87), and you risk damaging the fuel system or engine.
Tip: The correct gas type for your Audi Q5 will always be written on the inside of the fuel filler cap.
But here’s the thing – just because someone can survive on fast food doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for their health.
Similarly, your Q5’s engine is designed to reach its full potential with premium (91 octane) gas. Audi’s engineers and the manual agree that premium gas will positively impact your fuel economy, engine performance, and long-term maintenance costs.
If you have a performance-oriented version of the Audi Q5, like the SQ5, the gas recommendation is more stringent. This high-performance model thrives on premium (91 octane) gas.
Can you fill up an SQ5 with regular gas? Technically, yes.
If the only available option is 87 octane, it won’t instantly harm your car. However, consistently using regular gas is like making an athlete continuously run in ill-fitting shoes. They might manage, but it’s not ideal.
And what about tuned Audi Q5 models?
Modifications like RaceChip can increase the horsepower of your Audi Q5. And when you upgrade the engine’s performance, its diet needs an upgrade too.
Just as an athlete on a rigorous training regime needs specialized nutrition, a tuned Q5 needs the high-octane boost of premium (91-octane) gas.
Ultimately, using regular gas, especially in the performance models or tuned versions, might initially save you a few bucks at the pump.
But in the long run, it can affect your car’s performance, fuel efficiency, and even its lifespan.
Reduced acceleration, less-than-smooth rides, and more visits to the mechanic? We’d rather avoid that, wouldn’t we?
Difference between regular, mid-grade, and premium gas
Now that we’ve discussed the recommended gas type for your Audi Q5, you might wonder, “What do these octane numbers mean?”.
Octane ratings are a measure of the fuel’s resistance to knocking.
No, it’s not like door-knocking! In car terms, knocking is a rattling or pinging sound you’d hear when the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders detonates earlier than it should. It’s not good for your engine!
The higher the octane rating, the more compression the gas can withstand before it ignites, which reduces the likelihood of knocking and leads to smoother engine performance.
When you’re filling up, you will typically see the following gas types:
- Regular gas (87 Octane): This is the basic option. It’s the most common and budget-friendly. It’s suitable for many vehicles but not necessarily an excellent choice for high-performance cars.
- Mid-grade gas (around 89 Octane): Slightly pricier than regular, it’s often seen as a compromise between cost and performance. Perfect for those who want higher-quality fuel without splurging too much.
- Premium gas (91 Octane and above): Designed for high-performance engines, this gas resists knocking, ensuring smoother combustion. If cars could dream, many would probably dream of this.
The main difference between regular, mid-grade, and premium gas is that regular gas has an octane rating of 87, mid-grade gas has an octane rating of 89, while premium gas has an octane rating of 91 or higher.
Here’s something more to think about: premium gas offers benefits that go beyond preventing knocking. It ensures optimal performance, fuel efficiency, and longevity for cars, especially those designed to be high-performers.
High-end cars (like Audi models) often have advanced engines optimized for higher compression ratios. These engines thrive on the richness of premium gas, which in turn offers better acceleration, fuel economy, and longevity.
Real-world experiences with Audi Q5 gas choices
Not convinced by the benefits of premium gas? Let’s check out some real-world experiences from Audi Q5 owners!
1. Switching from premium to mid-tier gas
One Audi Q5 owner shares how he experienced switching from premium to mid-tier gas:
On my first Q5, I used premium and then switched to middle. Never noticed a difference, even on fuel economy. And what you would save in fuel economy by using premium, you would spend in the difference in price. Negligible difference. I’ve only used middle grade on my ’10 Q5, and it’s been completely fine.
Source
2. Testing the mileage with regular and premium gas
Here’s an Audi Q5 owner who did some fuel consumption tests:
I agree, I run regular 87 in mine and the difference in mileage is not noticable. I drive from NJ to Fla once a year. First year, I used premium as car was brand new. I got between 31-32 mpg. For the last 5 years I have used regular and get the same 31-32 mpg. I set cruise at 75 mph so am driving in that range most of the time. My computer is about 1mpg generous so I am getting 30-31 actual if I had to guess. Premium costs about 17% more than regular where I live 3.49 vs 4.09. There is no way you get 17% less mpg.
Source
Can you use ethanol-based fuels for the Audi Q5?
Ethanol-based fuels are fuels that contain ethanol, which is a renewable fuel made from biomass. Biomass consists of a variety of plant materials.
It looks something like this:
That’s a joke, of course!
In reality, over 98% of gasoline in the US contains ethanol. The most common ethanol-based fuel is E10, which consists of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline.
Ethanol-based fuels reduce air pollution, but at the same time, using gas that contains a high concentration of ethanol can damage your vehicle.
E10 is a standard that’s commonly accepted to be safe for most cars on the road today, including the Audi Q5.
However, you may occasionally find E15 gas containing 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline. In the US, E15 can be found in 30 states at over 2,400 pumps (source).
E15 is not optimal for the Audi Q5, but it won’t be a danger in the short term. However, it can only be used for Audi Q5 models from 2008 or newer.
Once you increase the ethanol percentage further, it really won’t be too good for your car.
For instance, E85 gas is also available in some places, but it can only be used for your Audi Q5 if you have a flex-fuel kit.
FAQs about gas for the Audi Q5
If you have any more questions about which gas to use for your Audi Q5, take a look at these FAQs:
What happens if I accidentally fill up with regular gas in my Audi Q5?
Nothing will happen if you put regular gas in your Audi Q5. The Audi Q5 is designed to run safely on regular gas. However, if you can, it is advisable to use premium gas.
Can I use fuel additives for the Audi Q5?
You can use fuel additives or cleaners for the Audi Q5. However, it is important to carefully read the manual beforehand and avoid using additives more than twice a year, as this can damage the engine or fuel system.
Can the Audi Q5 take 93 gas?
Filling up an Audi Q5 with premium (93 octane) gas will allow it to extract its maximum performance and engine longevity. However, unless you have a high-performance model, 91 octane is just as good.
Final verdict
To put it short: Can you run your Audi Q5 on regular gas? Technically, yes.
However, the better question is – should you? Our take? It’s best to use premium gas.
Audi isn’t randomly suggesting premium gas for fun.
It’s all about preserving that engine and guaranteeing your Q5 continues to drive for years to come.
Sure, in the short run, you might save a bit by using regular gas. But think about the long game: lower fuel efficiency and potential repair bills. Suddenly, those upfront ‘savings’ might not feel so significant.
If you have any more questions, let us know in the comments!
Gas Requirements For Other Audi Models
Are you interested in the required gas type of other Audi models?
If so, you can find everything you need to know in the following articles:
