What Gas Does A Volkswagen Jetta Take? (Explained)

On this blog, we do a lot of research regarding specific questions about different cars. Today we’ll look at the Volkswagen Jetta and answer what kind of gas this car requires. To find the answer, we’ve gone through the owners’ manuals of the Jettas produced since 2010. Here’s a quick answer:

The Volkswagen Jetta with a gasoline or hybrid engine manufactured from 2010 onwards is designed to take unleaded regular gasoline with an octane rating of 87. The use of premium gas with an octane rating of 91 is only recommended for the Jetta GLI. Jetta’s with a diesel engine is designed to use Number 2 Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel or Number 2 Ultra Low Sulfur Climatized diesel fuels.

However, that doesn’t tell the whole story. Below we go into more detail about the kind of gas or diesel you should use for your specific type of Jetta. We’ll also discuss if different types of gas are better or worse for the durability of your engine and its performance. Finally, we answer some other questions about the fuel requirements of the Jetta. Read on!

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Also read: How Many Miles Can A Volkswagen Jetta Last?

Fuel Requirements Based On Engine Type

Before we go into the details of the gasoline and diesel types of the Volkswagen Jetta, it’s good to know that there’s a quick way to figure this out. Reason being that this information is displayed near the fuel cap. Please see the image below for this. This label will tell you the most basic things about the type of fuel the Jetta uses immediately.

Gasoline

Volkswagen Jetta’s produced from 2010 onwards and that have a gasoline engine are designed to use high-quality unleaded regular gasoline with an octane rating of 87 – 90. Use of premium fuel is possible in the Jetta, and if this fuel is used, it’s advised to use an octane rating of 91 – 96. the Jetta GLI is the only Jetta for which the use of premium fuel is recommended.

Also read: This Is Where Volkswagen Jetta Are Made

Diesel

Volkswagen Jetta’s produced from 2010 onwards and have a diesel engine are designed to use Number 2 Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel or Number 2 Ultra Low Sulfur Climatized diesel fuels. Number 1 Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel should only be used where extended arctic conditions ( 5°F to -10°F or -10°C to -23°C) exist.

Hybrid

Volkswagen Jetta’s produced from 2010 onwards and have a hybrid engine are designed to use high-quality unleaded regular gasoline with an octane rating of 87 – 90. Use of premium fuel is possible in the Jetta, and if this fuel is used, it’s advised to use an octane rating of 91 – 96.

Also read: What Type Of Gas Does A Volkswagen Passat Take?

What Types Of Gasoline Can And Can’t Be Used?

Oxygenated Gasoline Or E85

You may use unleaded gasoline blended with alcohol or MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether), commonly referred to as oxygenated fuels, if the blended mixture meets the following criteria:

Blends of gasoline and methanol (wood alcohol or methyl alcohol):

• Anti-Knock Index (AKI) must be 87 or higher.
• Blend must contain no more than 3% methanol.
• Blend must contain more than 2% co-solvents.

Blends of gasoline and ethanol (grain alcohol or ethyl alcohol):

• Anti-Knock Index (AKI) must be 87 or higher.
• Blend must contain no more than 10% ethanol for Jetta’s that were produced before 2014
• Blend must contain no more than 15% ethanol for Jetta’s that were produced after 2014

Blends of gasoline and MTBE:

• Anti-Knock Index (AKI) must be 87 or higher.
• Blend must contain no more than 15% MTBE.

Gasoline With Additives

Fuel quality impacts the operating performance, efficiency, and service life of the engine. Therefore, use quality gasoline already blended by the fuel supplier with suitable gasoline additives that do not contain metal. The additives provide corrosion protection, clean the fuel system, and prevent deposits on the engine. Volkswagen recommends TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline, which you can find on toptiergas.com.

Seasonally Adjusted Gasoline

Many fuels are blended, especially for winter or summer conditions. When seasons change, Volkswagen suggests that you buy fuel at busy stations where the seasonal adjustment is more likely to be made earlier.

Biodiesel

The diesel engines of the Volkswagen Jetta are designed to run on Ultra Low Sulfur diesel with a maximum of 5% biodiesel. The Jetta is compatible with fuels containing a percentage of 20% biodiesel; however, precautions and extra care need to be taken. Using fuel that contains 20%+ biodiesel is strictly forbidden and will affect the warranty and lifespan of your car.

First off, it’s good to know that the use of B5 biodiesel is limited in Illinois. Volkswagen mentions in the owners’ manuals that your car still falls under warranty if this is the case. However, in this case, you do have to use fuel with 6-20% biodiesel (B6 – B20).

If you regularly use B6 – B20 biodiesel, then it’s wise to take the necessary precautions outlined by Volkswagen:

• Routinely check the engine oil level. A good time to do this is when you refuel, especially if you regularly do a lot of short distance or stop-and-go driving. This will help you see if the engine oil level is getting higher. (A rising oil level beyond the maximum indicator means an oil change is needed due to the dilution of the oil in the system; a potential characteristic of biodiesel use)
• If you ever notice that the engine oil level has risen or is above the maximum indicator, contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer, authorized Volkswagen Service Facility or Volkswagen Customer CARE to schedule an oil change – regardless of the time or mileage that has elapsed since you last had an oil change performed.
• Continue to follow the oil change intervals found in the Warranty and Maintenance booklet that came with your vehicle.
• Refuel only at trusted, commercial fueling stations that are located near main highways. These stations are more likely to have fresh biodiesel fuels that have not aged significantly.
• If your vehicle will be in storage (or not driven) for several weeks or months, please completely fill the fuel tank. If possible, fill the tank with Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel.

Also read: Is The Volkswagen Jetta A Sports Car?

What If I Hear A Knocking Noise From The Engine After Refilling?

You should not hear engine knock if the Volkswagen Jetta is filled with the right fuel type and the right octane rating. If you do hear a knocking sound after refueling, it’s advised that you stop the car’s engine immediately and call a dealership to fix the problem for you. It could be that the fuel you’re using has an octane rating that’s lower than the minimum of 87, which can cause permanent damage to the engine and related systems.

Also read: 17 Common Problems Of A Volkswagen Jetta

Does The Volkswagen Jetta Have A Good Gas Mileage?

2018 – Present

The 2018 – present-day Volkswagen Jetta with a 1.4L gasoline engine has a combined MPG of 33, a city MPG of 29, and a highway MPG of 33. The 2.0L gasoline engine has a combined MPG of 28, a city MPG of 24, and a highway MPG of 33.

Engine	Combined	City	Highway
1.4	33	29	39
2.0	28	24	33

2010 – 2018

The 2010 – 2018 Volkswagen Jetta with a 1.4L gasoline engine has a combined MPG of 33; the 1.4L hybrid has a combined MPG of 44, the 1.8L an MPG of 30, the 2.0L an MPG of 26, whereas the 2.0L diesel has an MPG of 32. The 2.5L has a combined MPG of 26.

Engine	Combined	City	Highway
1.4	33	28	40
1.4 Hybrid	44	42	48
1.8	30	26	36
2.0	26	23	33
2.0 diesel	32	29	39
2.5	26	24	31

What’s The Gas Tank Size Of A Volkswagen Jetta?

The 2010 – 2018 Volkswagen Jetta with a gasoline or diesel engine has a tank capacity of 14.5 gallons (55 liters), including a 2-gallon reserve. The 2010 – 2018 hybrid Jetta has a fuel capacity of 11.8 gallons (45 liters) with a 2-gallon reserve. The 2018 – present-day Jetta has a tank capacity of 13.2 gallons (50 liters) or 14.5 gallons (55 liters) for all-wheel-drive versions.

Also read: What Gas Does A Volkswagen Beetle Take?

How Much Does It Cost To Fill Up A Volkswagen Jetta?

On average, it will cost $46,18 to fill up a Volkswagen Jetta produced from 2010 – 2018 and has a gasoline engine. It also costs $46,18 to fill up a 2018 – present-day Jetta with AWD. The 2010 – 2018 Jetta with a diesel engine will cost $49,05 to fill up. Furthermore, it will cost $37,58 to fill up a 2010 – 2018 hybrid Jetta. A 2018 – present-day Jetta without AWD will cost $42,04 to fill up.

Sources

• Autoevolution.com
• Carmanuals2.com/Jetta2014
• Carmanuals2.com/JettaHybrid2014
• Vwserviceandparts.com
• Fueleconomy.gov
• AAA.com