What Gas Should You Put in Your 2016 Dodge Charger RT 5.7 HEMI?
Choosing the right fuel for your 2016 Dodge Charger RT with the 5.7L HEMI engine is crucial for performance and fuel efficiency. This article will explore the best gas options for your vehicle and provide insights into the impact of different octane ratings.
Recommended Gas for Your Dodge Charger RT
For your 2016 Dodge Charger RT with the 5.7L HEMI engine, it is recommended to use premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. While the vehicle can run on regular unleaded gasoline with 87 octane, using premium fuel can help optimize performance and fuel efficiency, especially for a performance-oriented engine like the HEMI. This conclusion was drawn based on modern engineering and technological advancements in the 5.7L HEMI engine.
Understanding Octane Ratings
Octane ratings are a measure of a fuel's performance in terms of its resistance to detonation. Higher octane fuels are better at withstanding the intense pressures and temperatures inside an engine. For a 5.7L HEMI engine, premium fuel consisting of 91 octane or higher is recommended to ensure optimal performance and fuel efficiency. While the engine can technically run on regular gasoline, the performance may suffer with a loss of horsepower and overall real-world driving experience.
Case Studies and Expert Opinions
One case study involves a friend who purchased a new Chrysler 300 HEMI in 2004. According to the peer, back then, if it was a regular production vehicle, it got regular unleaded gasoline. The peer mentioned, "The standard or the Dodge HEMI Octane Requirements Premium in a non-Hell Cat or SRT8 with higher compression would be a waste." This implies that for a standard HEMI engine, regular unleaded fuel is sufficient. However, for a performance-oriented version, such as the 5.7L HEMI used in the Dodge Charger RT, the recommended octane is 91 or higher.
Personal Experience and Performance Considerations
Your personal experience also plays a role in determining the right fuel for your 2016 Ram with the 5.7 HEMI. Your owner's manual states that 89 grade fuel is recommended. You have also used 87 octane fuel when gas prices are high, and while you feel no difference in performance, your gas mileage suffers. This highlights the importance of matching the fuel octane to the engine's specifications to ensure both performance and efficiency.
Conclusion
Remember, the engine will never know if you’re running higher octane gas, but it will always know if you’re using lower grades. Therefore, following the manufacturer's recommendations in your owner's manual is crucial. For your 2016 Dodge Charger RT, it is recommended to use 89 octane or higher. If 89 octane is not available, using 91-93 octane for half the tank and 87 octane for the second half can help balance performance and fuel efficiency.
Using the right fuel not only enhances driving performance but also extends the life of your engine. Always consult your owner's manual and pay attention to the specific requirements of your 5.7L HEMI engine.