FUELS
To ensure the best performance, fuel mileage and emissions control, the proper type and quality of fuel should always be used in Nissan and Infiniti vehicles.
GASOLINE
Octane Rating
The octane rating of gasoline rates its resistance to detonation and pre-ignition (engine knock) where a higher number is a greater resistance to engine knock.
The two main types of octane rating for gasoline are:
Research Octane Number (RON) and Motor Octane Number (MON).
The process of obtaining the octane rating between these two types is a bit different so their rating (octane number) is different.
In the U.S., a rating that combines these two types was adopted: Research + Motor divided by 2 (R+M)/2. It is called the Anti Knock Index (AKI).
You have most likely seen the large octane numbers on fuel pumps at your local gas station with either AKI or (R+M)/2 indicating the method of rating.
- The Owner’s Manual for each Nissan and Infiniti vehicle lists the recommended fuel for that vehicle and the recommended octane rating. Two octane ratings are given; the AKI (Anti Knock Index) and the Research Octane Number. As mentioned, the U.S. has adopted the AKI octane rating, so that is the number we need to be concerned with for gasoline in the U.S.
- Usually, Nissan and Infiniti vehicles that have a recommendation for regular unleaded gasoline will recommend an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index).
- Usually, Nissan and Infiniti vehicles that have a recommendation for premium unleaded gasoline will recommend an octane rating of at least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index).
- Make sure to check the Owner’s Manual for the recommend fuel and octane rating for a specific vehicle.
Octane Recommendations
E-15 or E-85
Only use E-15 or E-85 fuels in vehicles designed to run on E-15 or E-85 fuel (such as the Titan FFV). Using E-15 or E-85 fuel in a vehicle not specifically designed for E-15 or E-85 can adversely affect the emission control devices and systems of the vehicle. Damage caused by such fuel is not covered by the Nissan or Infiniti New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Gasoline Containing Oxygenates
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing oxygenates such as ethanol, Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and methanol with or without advertising their presence. The use of fuels of which the oxygenate content and the fuel compatibility for Nissan or Infiniti vehicles cannot be readily determined is not recommended.
- The fuel should be unleaded gasoline and have an octane rating no lower than that recommended by the Owner’s Manual.
- If an oxygenate-blend other than a methanol blend is used, it should contain no more than 10% oxygenate. (MTBE may, however, be added up to 15%.)
- Ethanol is an alcohol and tends to absorb and hold water that can build concentrations in the fuel system and cause performance problems.
- Ethanol is corrosive and can degrade plastic, rubber or even metal parts in the fuel system that were not engineered to use alcohol- bearing fuel.
- If a methanol blend is used, it should contain no more than 5% methanol (methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). It should also contain a suitable amount of appropriate co-solvents and corrosion inhibitors. If not properly formulated with appropriate co-solvents and corrosion inhibitors, such methanol blends may cause fuel system damage and/or vehicle performance problems. At this time, sufficient data is not available to ensure that all methanol blends are suitable for use in Nissan and Infiniti vehicles.
If oxygenate-blend gasoline is used, take the following precautions; the usage of such fuels may cause vehicle performance problems and/or fuel system damage.
Note: If a vehicle is equipped as a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV), it is designed to use E-85 fuel or unleaded regular gasoline or any percentage of the two fuels combined.
Gasoline Containing Oxygenates (cont'd)
If any drivability problems such as engine stalling and difficult hot-starting are experienced after using oxygenate-blend fuels, immediately change to a non-oxygenate fuel or a fuel with a low blend of MTBE.
If you have concerns about the fuel being used in a specific vehicle, the Owner’s Manual contains some specific information regarding recommended fuel formulations.
Note: Take care not to spill gasoline during refueling. Gasoline containing oxygenates can cause paint damage.
Aftermarket Fuel Additives
Nissan and Infiniti do not recommend the use of any aftermarket fuel additives (for example, fuel injector cleaner, octane booster, intake valve deposit removers, etc.), which are sold commercially. Many of these additives intended for gum, varnish or deposit removal may contain active solvents or similar ingredients that can be harmful to the fuel system and engine.
- Diesel fuel cetane rating rates the fuel’s tendency to burn. The higher the number, the more readily the fuel burns.
- A cetane number below 42 can cause poor starting, excessive white smoke and poor idling.
- A cetane number above 55 can increase smoke at peak torque conditions.
DIESEL FUEL
Cetane Raring
Winter / Summer Blends
Diesel fuel viscosity increases (gets thicker) as the temperature decreases. If the temperature is cold enough, the diesel fuel could change to a gel that cannot flow in the fuel system. Many fuel stations sell additives to prevent diesel fuel from gelling in low temperatures. Fuel suppliers may also put additives in their diesel fuel, often called “winter diesel.”
Above 32°F (0°C)
Below 32°F (0°C)
NOTE: Diesel Fuel No. 2 may solidify or gel in temperatures below 32°F (0°C).
B10 FUEL BIODIESEL
The TITAN XD was designed to run on blends of biodiesel up to B10 (B1-B10).
NOTE: B10 fuel is a mixture of approximately 10% biodiesel and 90% petroleum diesel.
- If storing a vehicle for longer than one month, empty the fuel tank of biodiesel.
- To prepare a vehicle to run after prolonged storage, fill the fuel tank with a pure petroleum-based diesel fuel and run your vehicle for at least half of an hour.
- Fuel system seals, plastics and steel parts can be damaged by degraded or oxidized biodiesel.
- During cold weather, biodiesel fuel may need to be stored in a heated storage tank in order to prevent it from gelling or solidifying. Refer to fuel supplier or tank manufacturer.
B10 FUEL STORAGE
Biodiesel degrades more quickly than pure petroleum-based diesel. When storing a vehicle that runs on a biodiesel blend, it is important to keep the following in mind: