Our team is determined to give our readers research-based authentic explanations of their queries, and that includes cars like the Nissan Sentra and the various questions you might have about this vehicle, whether that’s regarding the towing capacity or Nissan Sentra related problems.
Today, we will look at the gas requirements of a Nissan Sentra. Before we dive into the crucial details of the dos and don’ts, let’s answer our main question:
What types of gas does a Nissan Sentra require?
Nissan Sentra comes in four main displacements; 1.6L, 1.8L, 2.0L, and 2.5L. All variants run on regular 87 Octane except for the Turbo variants and the V-Spec variants that require 91 or higher octane. E15 and E85 are not to be used, while oxygenated blends can be used, but not more than the recommended volume.
However, it does not tell us the whole story. We will look into each aspect in great detail. First, we will look at all the available trim levels and put all the data in one place for you to see. You will find your exact variant and the type of gas you should use in the tables down below. The data is sorted out according to the generations and production years.
After giving the octane requirements of every variant, we will take a look at several different additives that you should and should not use in your Nissan Sentra. After that, we will go through each variant and give its mileage data. When we are done with the mileage data, we will go through the fuel tank sizes and how much it would cost to fill up, no matter which state you are in.
Fuel Requirements Based On Engine Type
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Fifth Generation Nissan Sentra (1999-2006)
All variants of the fifth-gen Nissan Sentra can run on 87 Octane, no matter what type of transmission you have. There are three different types of transmissions; 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual, and 6-speed manual.
Engine | Fuel Requirement |
2.0L Inline-4 (Automatic/Manual) | Regular 87 Octane |
1.8L Inline-4 (Automatic/Manual) | Regular 87 Octane |
2.5L Inline-4 (Automatic/Manual) | Regular 87 Octane |
Sixth Generation Nissan Sentra (2006-2012)
To know for sure if your engine is the one which requires the premium gas, take a look at the engine number. If the number reads QR25DE Spec-V, you would need to add the premium gas. You can go for the mid-grade 91 octane, but it’s better to go for the 93 Octane.
If, however, you cannot find the higher octane gas, you can use regular gas, only to reach a gas station where you can fill up with higher octane fuel.
Engine | Fuel Requirement |
2.0L inline-4 Automatic transmission with variable gear ratios | Regular 87 Octane |
2.5L Inline-4 (Automatic/Manual) | Regular 87 Octane |
1.8L Inline-4 (Automatic/Manual) | Regular 87 Octane |
2.5L Inline-4 (The year 2007-2012 ) 6-Speed Manual | Premium 91 Octane |
2.0L inline-4 Manual transmission | Regular 87 Octane |
Seventh Generation Nissan Sentra (2012-2019)
There are several variants of Nissan Sentra that require premium gasoline. If you want to know whether or not you have the one that requires the premium gas, you take a look at the engine, and if it reads V-Spec somewhere on it, you must use a mid-grade or premium-grade fuel.
Engine | Fuel Requirement |
2.5L inline-4, Automatic (AV-S6) | Regular 87 Octane |
2.5L inline-4, 6-speed Manual* | Premium 91 Octane |
2.5L inline-4, 6-speed Manual | Regular Gas |
2.0L inline-4 Manual transmission | Regular 87 Octane |
2.0L inline-4 Automatic transmission with variable gear ratios | Regular 87 Octane |
1.8L inline-4 Manual transmission | Regular 87 Octane |
1.8L inline-4 Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Regular 87 Octane |
1.6L inline-4 Turbo, 6-speed manual | Premium 91 Octane |
1.6L inline-4 Turbo, (AV-S7) Automatic | Premium 91 Octane |
Eight Generation Nissan Sentra 2019-Present
The eight-generation is very simple, if you have the 2.0L inline-4 paired with an automatic, you are good to go with regular gas having 87 Octane. But if you have ended up with the 1.6L inline-4 with a turbo on it, premium gas with 93 Octane is recommended. If you are not able to find premium gas, you can use mid-grade as well with 91 Octane.
Engine | Fuel Requirement |
2.0L inline-4 Automatic transmission with variable gear ratios | Regular 87 Octane |
1.6L inline-4 Turbo, 6-speed manual | Premium 91 Octane |
1.6L inline-4 Turbo, (AV-S7) Automatic | Premium 91 Octane |
What Types Of Gasoline Can And Can’t Be Used?
Reformulated Gasoline
Reformulated gasoline is the effort to reduce the emissions released in the form of vehicle exhaust. These reformulated gasoline keep our environment cleaner, if not free of toxins altogether. Nissan is all-in towards these efforts of a greener environment. Most of the fuel pumps these days are solely selling reformulated gasoline.
You can use the reformulated gasoline without a hitch; you will actually be doing a favor for our environment.
Gasoline/Oxygenated Blends Or E-85
According to the owner’s manuals of all the generations of Nissan Sentra, oxygenated blends can be used, however, except methanol. The latest manuals allow up to 5% methanol content if used.
The blend itself should not contain more than 10% of the oxygenate component. MTBE may be added up to 15% as per the owner’s manual. At the same time, the ethanol content should not exceed 10% by volume.
E15 or E85 are not to be used in any of the Nissan Sentra variants. The engine is not designed to run these additives. Any damage to the engine caused by these “not recommended” additives will not be covered under warranty.
Gasoline With Added Materials
Nissan does recommend the use of any additives that are sold commercially for purposes like octane boosting, fuel injector cleaning, intake valve deposit cleaning, etc.
Most of the aftermarket additives will affect the fuel system and the engine itself. Therefore, if you use these additives, you will be doing more harm than good; it’s better to avoid these aftermarket additives.
Gasoline With MMT
Nissan does not recommend the use of MMT. These methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl are known to increase the octane ratings. Most race gasses have this additive used in race build engines and are unsuitable for regular engines.
These additives have an adverse effect on the emissions system and will also affect the performance of your Sentra
Biodiesel
Nissan Sentra does not offer a diesel variant, so you won’t be able to use the biodiesel in any of its trim levels.
What If I Hear A Knocking Noise From The Engine After Refilling?
According to the owner’s manuals of Nissan Sentra, the slight knocking sound is nothing of concern; loud knocking, however, can be problematic. If you started hearing this knocking sound right after you had a refill from a fuel station, the most probable cause of this knocking is the low octane.
To get rid of this kind of knocking, you can try adding mid-grade or premium grade. Make sure you are putting the recommended octane in your Sentra. With a higher octane, the knocking should go away. However, if the knocking persists, your engine might need service. Nissan recommends you have your vehicle inspected at a certified dealership.
For more insight into engine knocking check this video:
Does the Nissan Sentra Have Good Gas Mileage?
We have gone through every other variant of the Nissan Sentra, and the mileage data, on the whole, is satisfactory. But the latest models are doing great in terms of mpg. We have sorted out all the data into the tables down below.
You can take a look, and you will find your exact variant, and you will see how many miles your Nissan Sentra should be doing per gallon.
Fifth Generation Nissan Sentra (1999-2006)
Engine | Lowest Combined MPG | Highest Combined MPG |
2.0L Inline-4 (Automatic/Manual) | 21 | 28 |
1.8L Inline-4 (Automatic/Manual) | 25 | 33 |
2.5L Inline-4 (Automatic/Manual) | 20 | 26 |
Sixth Generation Nissan Sentra (2006-2012)
Engine | Lowest Combined MPG | Highest Combined MPG |
2.0L inline-4 Automatic transmission with variable gear ratios | 25 | 33 |
2.5L Inline-4 (Automatic, 2006) | 20 | 26 |
2.5L Inline-4 (Manual, 2006) | 20 | 27 |
1.8L Inline-4 (Automatic/Manual) | 24 | 31 |
2.5L Inline-4 (The year 2007-2012 ) 6-Speed Manual | 21 | 29 |
2.0L inline-4 Manual transmission | 24 | 31 |
Seventh Generation Nissan Sentra (2012-2019)
Engine | Lowest Combined MPG | Highest Combined MPG |
2.5L inline-4, Automatic (AV-S6) | 23 | 30 |
2.5L inline-4, 6-speed Manual* | 21 | 28 |
2.0L inline-4 Manual transmission | 24 | 30 |
2.0L inline-4 Automatic transmission with variable gear ratios | 26 | 34 |
1.8L inline-4 Manual transmission | 27 | 35 |
1.8L inline-4 Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 29 | 38 |
1.6L inline-4 Turbo, 6-speed manual | 25 | 31 |
1.6L inline-4 Turbo, (AV-S7) Automatic | 25 | 30 |
Eight Generation Nissan Sentra (2019-Present)
Engine | Lowest Combined MPG | Highest Combined MPG |
2.0L inline-4 Automatic transmission with variable gear ratios | 29 | 39 |
1.6L inline-4 Turbo, 6-speed manual | 25 | 31 |
1.6L inline-4 Turbo, (AV-S7) Automatic | 27 | 33 |
What’s The Gas Tank Size Of Nissan Sentra?
The gas tank size of the Nissan Sentra ranges from 12 to 14 gallons. Each generation has received a different sized gas tank compared to the predecessor.
We have sorted this data into tables down below. You can see where your Nissan Sentra lies by looking at the generation.
Fifth Generation Nissan Sentra (1999-2006)
Engine | Gas Tank |
All variants | 13 gallons |
Sixth Generation Nissan Sentra (2006-2012)
Engine | Gas Tank |
All variants | 14 gallons |
Seventh Generation Nissan Sentra (2012-2019)
Engine | Gas Tank |
All variants | 13 gallons |
Eight Generation Nissan Sentra (2019-Present)
Engine | Gas Tank |
All variants | 12 gallons |
How Much Does It Cost To Fill Up A Nissan Sentra?
The cost to fill up a Nissan Sentra will vary from state to state. Some states have their gas priced lower than others, while some states outrageously charge a lot. And not all the Nissan Sentras have the same-sized fuel tank.
We will look at several states and calculate how much you would be spending on average on a full tank of gasoline. We will put down the maximum and the lowest cost, so you would know how much you would need to spend no matter where you are.
When writing this article, Texas has the cheapest gasoline, priced at $3.086. If you happen to have the 12-gallon tank, a full tank will cost you approx—$ 37. And if you happen to live in California, you will be paying the highest price per gallon, at $4.633. If you happen to have the 14-gallon tank, you would have to spend approx—$65.
With all this data in mind, no matter where you are, you would pay somewhere between $37-$65 for a complete tank of fuel for your Nissan Sentra.
Closing Thoughts
By now you should have a better grip on what type of gas your Nissan Sentra needs, which is crucial for keeping that engine running smoothly. Remember, the right fuel is just one aspect of vehicle maintenance.
Regular check-ups are essential. Don’t wait until there’s a problem to visit your mechanic. Preventative maintenance can help catch issues before they become major headaches.
Speaking of maintenance, a failing MAF sensor can cause a multitude of problems, from poor fuel economy to reduced performance. Similarly, a faulty battery can lead to issues starting your vehicle and might leave you stranded.
Both issues are not uncommon when it comes to the Nissan Sentra, as well as some known shift lock problems associated with this particular car. Thankfully no matter the issue we got you covered!
By staying informed and proactive about your Nissan Sentra’s maintenance needs, you can ensure it stays reliable and performs optimally for years to come. Happy driving!
Sources
- https://www.fueleconomy.gov/
- https://www.carmanual.org/nissan-owners-manuals/2005-nissan-sentra-owners-manual-899/
- https://www.carmanual.org/nissan-owners-manuals/2011-nissan-sentra-owners-manual-1155/
- https://cdn.dealereprocess.org/cdn/servicemanuals/nissan/2011-sentra.pdf
- https://owners.nissanusa.com/content/techpub/ManualsAndGuides/Sentra/2017/2017-Sentra-owner-manual.pdf
- https://gasprices.aaa.com/state-gas-price-averages/
Hi! My name is Stefan; I’m the owner and lead writer at TheDriverAdviser.com.
I’m an active writer on this blog myself, as well as a novice car mechanic. For the really technical stuff, I find writers with experience as a mechanic or who have studied mechanical engineering.
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