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Types Of Gas A Mitsubishi Mirage Takes (All US Generations)

By: Author Stefan K.

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Types Of Gas A Mitsubishi Mirage Takes (All US Generations)

On this blog, we extensively research your queries about various automobiles, including Mitsubishi models like the Mitsubishi Outlander fuel type among many others.

Today, we’ll look at the Mitsubishi Mirage and see what kind of gasoline it needs. We looked through the owners’ manuals from 2013 onwards to find the answer. Here is a quick response:

Mitsubishi Mirage sold from 2013 onwards in the American market take regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher.

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 Mirage. Furthermore, we´ll discuss this car’s fuel tank capacity and gas mileage. Read on!

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Infographic explaining the fuel types for a Mitsubishi Mirage

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Fuel Requirements Based on Engine Type

First, we have to clarify that the 87-octane recommendation goes for all generations, and all engine types, of the Mitsubishi Mirage that were ever manufactured in the North-American market.

However, sometimes people believe that using 91-octane gasoline (also referred to as premium gasoline) is a better way to go because it would improve your engine’s performance and lifespan. However, this is not true.

Using premium gasoline won´t hurt your Mitsubishi Mirage in any way. However, the Mirage is not designed to derive any benefits from premium gasoline. For this reason, you will only pay more instead of getting actual use from premium gasoline. For this reason, it´s recommended you opt for 87-octane gasoline at all times.

Also read: How Many Miles Can A Mitsubishi Mirage Last? (+Reliability Scores)

What Type of Gasoline Can A Mitsubishi Mirage Take?

Furthermore, different types of gasoline are and aren´t appropriate to use in your Mirage. 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. Mirages 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

We also have to discuss the use of oxygenated blends of gasoline. These types of gasoline contain oxygenates, typically in the form of ethanol or methanol, which are mixed into regular gasoline. These oxygenates are generally made from bio-sources meaning they burn cleaner and are cheaper to make.

However, the use of methanol and ethanol in the Mitsubishi Mirage is strictly regulated. Methanol is strictly forbidden to use in all generations of the Mitsubishi Mirage, and doing so will result in corrosion to the engine and fuel system that´s not covered by the warranty.

On the other hand, ethanol is safe to use in all generations of the Mitsubishi Mirage, up to 10%. For this reason, E10 (10% ethanol) is safe to use. However, E15, E30, E50, and E85 (also referred to as flex-fuel) are not safe to use and will damage the engine.

Addition of Cleaning Agents

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

Instead, Mitsubishi 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.

If you cannot make use of TOP TIER gasoline, and you regularly drive short distances, deposits can build up in the engine and fuel system. In this case, Mitsubishi advises you to buy a Mitsubishi Motors Genuine cleaning additive. You can buy these additives at your local Mitsubishi dealer.

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.

Also read: 7 Common Problems Of A Mitsubishi Mirage

What’s The Gas Mileage Of The Mitsubishi Mirage?

All generations of the Mitsubishi Mirage that have been sold in the North-American market use a 1.2L 3-cylinder engine. For this reason, the Mirage is incredibly fuel efficient. With a Mirage, you can expect a combined MPG of 39, whereas you´ll do 36 MPG in the city and 42 on the highway! Below we´ve added a video of a Mirage owner with real-life experience:

What Is The Tank Size Of A Mitsubishi Mirage?

All generations of the Mitsubishi Mirage sold in the United States have a fuel tank capacity of 9.2 gallons or 35 liters.

Sources

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