I was looking at some info on the 2007 L.L. Bean Outback and it said
"premium fuel is recommended but not required."

http://www.cars101.com/subaru/outback/outback2007.html

Is that a change for 2007? Any one know what would be the effect of
using just regular instead? (I currently have a 2005 L.L. Bean and
have only used premium in that.)

And, being a car noob, what would switching back and forth do? I'm
assuming that you should stay with one grade or the other . . . ?

TIA.

- Gerry

GerryWaz wrote:
> I was looking at some info on the 2007 L.L. Bean Outback and it said
> "premium fuel is recommended but not required."
>
> http://www.cars101.com/subaru/outback/outback2007.html
>
> Is that a change for 2007? Any one know what would be the effect of
> using just regular instead? (I currently have a 2005 L.L. Bean and
> have only used premium in that.)
>
> And, being a car noob, what would switching back and forth do? I'm
> assuming that you should stay with one grade or the other . . . ?
>
> TIA.
>
> - Gerry
>

If you change for one tank accidentally or in an 'urgent' situation, its
OK just to go back to your normal usage. Technically, the ECU should be
'cleared' back to base map and allowed to re-learn the sensor readings
and adjust to the fuel being used. Switching back and forth would likely
lead to wasting money on the Premium due to the knock sensor/ignition
timing not being able to adjust to the higher octane until sometime
AFTER it was being used at retarded/regular fuel settings(unless the ECU
is cleared as mentioned - or after some number of 'drive cycles'). And
switching back from premium to regular is OK IF the knock sensor is
functioning properly, if not - bad things could happen to the engine I
suppose.


Carl


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I think only the F6 and turbo 4 needed premium except in an emergency.