Choosing The Right Fuel; Octane Recommendations - Ford 1996 Escort Manual

Choosing the Right Fuel

Use only UNLEADED FUEL in your vehicle.
Using leaded fuel is prohibited by federal law.
Your warranty may not apply if your vehicle is
damaged because you used the wrong fuel.
Vehicle inspection programs may detect
misfueling. Under these circumstances, you may
be required by law to make costly repairs at
your own expense.

Octane Recommendations

Your vehicle is designed to use regular fuel with
an octane rating of 87. In most cases it is not
necessary to use a fuel with an octane rating
higher than 87. At service stations, the octane
rating is displayed in a label on the pumps.
In some parts of the country, "regular" grade
fuels are sold with octane ratings of 86 or even
less, especially in high altitude areas. We
recommend that you do not use these fuels.
Always use a fuel with an octane rating of 87,
even if it is sold as a "midgrade" or "premium."
Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes
knocks lightly when you drive up a hill or when
you accelerate. However, if a fuel with the
recommended rating knocks heavily under all
driving conditions or knocks lightly driving at
cruising speed on level roads, see your dealer or
a qualified service technician. Persistent, heavy
knocking can damage the engine.
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