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Types Of Gas A Lincoln MKZ Takes (All Generations)

Types Of Gas A Lincoln MKZ Takes (All Generations)

On this blog, we extensively research your queries about various automobiles including the Lincoln and we’ve written extensively about this particular brand and car, whether we’re talking about the exact bolt pattern of the Lincoln MKZ or all Lincoln cars in general.

Today, we’ll look at the Lincoln MKZ and see what kind of gasoline it needs. We looked through the 2007 – 2020 owners’ manuals to find the answer.

So, what type of fuel does a Lincoln MKZ take?

All Lincoln MKZ model years manufactured between 2007-2020, including the hybrid MKZ, take regular, unleaded gasoline with 87 rated-octane or higher. However, the second generation (2013-2020) recommends premium gasoline for high-performance situations, like towing. MKZs can run on reformulated gasoline and certain ethanol blends, but methanol, E30, E50, E85, and certain additives should be avoided.

Using the right fuel is essential to get the best performance of your car. However, this doesn’t tell the whole story. Below, we will detail what kind of gasoline should and shouldn’t be used in the MKZ. Furthermore, we´ll discuss this car’s fuel tank capacity and gas mileage. Read on!

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Infographic on the fuel types of a Lincoln MKZ

Fuel Requirements Based on Engine Type

As stated, all model years of the Lincoln MKZ take regular gasoline with an octane rating of 87. However, the Lincoln MKZ is also considered a luxury vehicle; therefore, you may wonder if premium gasoline (octane 91 or higher) isn´t a better choice after all.

The answer is that only the second generation Lincoln MKZ (2013 – 2020) has premium gasoline recommended and only in situations where high performance is needed. One of the most typical examples of this would be when towing a trailer.

The higher octane in the fuel will give the MKZ a slight performance boost. However, Lincoln does specifically mention only using premium gasoline in these cases. Using it anytime else won´t hurt the engine, but it won´t provide noticeable performance increases or lifespan increases.

EngineModel YearsRecommended OctanePremium Useful?
2.5L Duratec´11-´1287No
3.5L Duratec´07-´01287No
2.0L EcoBoost´13 – ´2087Yes
2.0L Duratec´13 – ´2087Yes
3.0L EcoBoost´17 – ´2087Yes
3.7L Duratec´13 – ´1687Yes

What Type of Gasoline Can A Lincoln MKZ Take?

Furthermore, different types of gasoline are and aren´t appropriate to use in your MKZ. Below, we´ve outlined all these types so you know exactly what can and can´t be used.

Reformulated Gasoline

First, we have to talk about the use of reformulated gasoline. This is a type of gasoline that burns cleaner than non-reformulated gasoline. For this reason, it´s mandatory to use in some regions of the United States.

Lincoln MKZs can run on reformulated gasoline just fine. If you have the choice between these two types of gasoline, it´s best to go with reformulated gasoline since it doesn´t cost anything extra but does help the environment and the air quality in your region.

Gasoline/Oxygenated Blends or E-85

Secondly, there´re oxygenated blends of gasoline. Oxygenated gasoline blends typically contain ethanol or methanol, both of which are bio-sources of gasoline. Using both of these substances comes with strict rules that must be followed.

First, methanol cannot be used in any model year of the MKZ. Methanol is a very corrosive substance that will damage the internals of your engine and fuel system.

On the other hand, there´s ethanol which is commonly used in the United States. MKZ manufactured between 2013 – 2020 can take gasoline with a maximum percentage of 15% ethanol. Therefore, E10 and E15 are completely fine to use.

The first generation MKZ, made between 2007 – 2012, can take gasoline with a maximum of 10% ethanol. Therefore, only E10 is allowed, and E15 is not.

Furthermore, E30, E50, or E85 (also referred to as flex-fuel) can´t be used in any generation and will damage the engine’s internal components and the fuel system beyond repair.

Addition of Cleaning Agents

The use of cleaning agents or octane boosters is something that you´ll hear about from time to time. Therefore, it´s good to know that Lincoln recommends against the use of these cleaning agents. This is because cleaning agents often use silicones or metallics that will damage your engine’s fuel system and the internals.

According to the 2022 owners manual of the MKZ, do not use:

  • Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.
  • Fuels containing metallic-based additives, including manganese-based compounds.
  • Fuels containing the octane booster additive, methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).

Instead, Lincoln recommends the use of TOP TIER gasoline. TOP TIER retailers sell this type of gasoline. This group of retailers is an alliance that provides gasoline that contains all the suitable cleaning agents your car needs and in a larger quantity than what´s stated by law. You can find a TOP TIER gasoline retailer at toptiergas.com.

What If The Engine Makes A Knocking Noise?

If you hear a knocking noise coming from your engine, then it´s most likely the case you´ve used gasoline with a lower than recommended octane rating. Also, you could have used gasoline with a higher-than-recommended percentage of ethanol.

You must stop the vehicle immediately and call your dealer or mechanic if you hear a loud knocking noise from your engine, especially right after refilling. Your car needs to be towed away and drained from its gasoline, and your fuel filter will also need to be replaced.

Continuing to drive with a loud knocking noise will result in irreparable damage that is not covered by any warranty. On the other hand, it´s good to know that a slight knocking sound is wholly expected from time to time, especially when you´re towing with the car or driving it uphill.

What’s The Gas Mileage Of The Lincoln MKZ?

As a general rule, Lincoln aren´t known for their amazing fuel economy. In the case of the MKZ, this is true for most gasoline-powered models. However, the hybrid versions do put up a decent fuel economy.

Second Generation (2013 – 2020)

EngineCombined MPGCity MPGHighway MPG
2.0L EcoBoost262232
2.0L Hybrid383837
3.0L201726
3.7L221927

First Generation (2007 – 2012)

EngineCombined MPGCity MPGHighway MPG
2.5L Hybrid384135
3.5L FWD211827
3.5L AWD191724

What Is The Tank Size Of Lincoln MKZ?

  • Lincoln MKZ manufactured between 2007 – 2012 have a fuel tank capacity of 16.5 gallons (AWD) or 17.5 gallons (FWD).
  • Lincoln MKZ manufactured between 2013 – 2020 have a fuel tank capacity of 18 gallons (AWD) or 16.5 gallons (FWD).

Closing Thoughts

Whether you’re cruising in an older Lincoln MKZ or you just rolled off the lot with the latest model, knowing what gas to put in your tank is crucial.

But hey, it’s not just about the type of gas. You gotta keep an eye on that gas mileage, know your tank size, and have a rough idea of what a full tank is gonna cost you.

And for those of you who want to know more fuel-specific information whether that’s mixing different octane gasoline and the dangers associated with that as well as mixing E-85 and unleaded gasoline, we got you covered!

So there you have it! Treat your Lincoln MKZ right with the proper gas, and it’ll treat you right on the road. Happy driving!

Sources

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