The Chevy Equinox is an excellent SUV. Whether you already own one or are looking to buy a pre-owned or brand-new Chevy Equinox near Lewisville, it’s important to understand how to properly care for it, including what gasoline to fill it with. This guide can answer all your important questions on correctly fueling a Chevy Equinox.
What Type of Fuel Does the Chevy Equinox Use?
The Chevy Equinox uses standard unleaded fuel to power its engine. Owners are advised to use unleaded 87 or higher fuels and not to use fuels with methanol in their Chevy Equinox. It is also important to avoid filling your tank with diesel fuel, which can lead to severe damage.
How Do Octane Levels Affect Car Performance?
When operating a Chevy Equinox, your engine works through a series of controlled combustion events. It is also possible, however, for combustion to occur spontaneously outside of the planned performance. When this occurs, it is referred to as a knock. The higher the octane rating on the gasoline you put into your gas tank, the less knock you should expect when operating your Chevy Equinox.
Reducing knock within your engine is beneficial in two important ways. The first benefit to using higher octane gasoline in your Chevy Equinox is its protection for your engine. The spontaneous combustion events can cause damage over time, so by using a higher octane, which reduces their occurrence, you minimize wear on your engine, keeping it running better now and extending its life span to save you money later.
In addition to the long-term savings of reducing instances of engine failure or repair needs, you can also experience the benefits of higher octane firsthand. Knock reduces the efficiency of your Chevy Equinox’s engine as well. This means using a higher-octane gasoline can increase fuel efficiency by reducing the amount of fuel wasted in spontaneous combustion events. Using the proper gasoline will keep your Chevy Equinox’s performance on par, including its towing capacity and entertainment and technology features.
What Happens if You Use the Wrong Fuel in a Chevy Equinox?
Using the right fuel in your Chevy Equinox is critically important. Failing to do so can have significant short- and long-term consequences for your vehicle. The severity of harm caused by filling your tank with the wrong fuel type can vary based on the quantity of incorrect fuel poured.
If you catch your mistake shortly after beginning or were simply topping up your fuel, you may not experience long-term damage if you accidentally topped up with the wrong one. Because the incorrect fuel can distill within the intended fuel already in the tank, it may be processed with minimal damage. On the other hand, if you do a full-tank load or fill it up more than halfway with incorrect fuel, your car is unlikely to function, and attempting to use it can lead to significant damage.
If you realize you have filled your car with the wrong fuel before attempting to use it again, do not turn your Chevy Equinox on. If there is a significant amount of incorrect fuel, your Equinox will not start, and attempting to do so will only spread the fuel through your lines. If the fuel is sufficiently distilled, your vehicle may start, but this can lead to further damage. Instead, call for a tow to a service center you trust immediately. Service professionals can drain the incorrect fuel to prevent you from damaging your Chevy Equinox.
What Is a Chevy Equinox’s Fuel Efficiency Rating?
The Chevy Equinox has excellent gas mileage for an SUV. When filled with 87 octane or higher, you can expect fuel efficiencies as high as 25 miles per gallon for city driving. Highway driving in your Chevy Equinox is even more efficient, with an economy of up to 30 miles per gallon. Remember that you can choose fuel with a higher octane rating for efficient fuel burning to get the most out of each gallon.
How Big is a Chevy Equinox Gas Tank?
The standard fuel tank on a Chevy Equinox has a carrying capacity of 15.6 gallons. This means you can get up to 468 miles of highway driving on a single gas tank. Fill your Chevy Equinox gas tank before reaching the empty warning level. It is also recommended that you fill-up the tank if you are going on a long drive and do not know when your next available gas station will be.
How Can You Improve a Chevy Equinox’s Fuel Economy?
In addition to filling your Chevy Equinox with high-octane gasoline, there are other ways to improve your fuel economy. Keep these tips in mind to maximize the efficiency of your Chevy Equinox:
- Clear it out: The simplest way to raise your Chevy Equinox’s efficiency level is to ensure it is not carrying stuff unnecessarily. Keeping it clean and not storing items when you don’t need them reduces your weight and makes your Equinox more fuel-efficient.
- Keep it maintained: Staying on top of regularly scheduled maintenance for your Chevy Equinox is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to care for your vehicle. It’s also an excellent way to raise fuel efficiency and save at the pump. Maintenance keeps systems working how they’re supposed to, which minimizes any waste due to errors and maximizes your fuel economy.
- Drive at consistent speeds: Maintaining steady speeds while you drive reduces energy wasted in braking. Keep safe distances on highways to avoid sudden stops, which are bad for fuel economy.
- Minimize idling: Running your vehicle while not in use wastes gasoline and reduces the miles you get out of each fill. If you stay at a location for over a minute, turning off your equinox is beneficial until you return.
Ready to keep your Chevy Equinox running smoothly and efficiently? Schedule a service appointment today to ensure you’re using the right fuel and maintaining your vehicle for optimal performance and longevity. Don’t wait until an issue arises – proactive maintenance saves you time and money in the long run. Contact us now to book your appointment and confidently keep your Equinox on the road.