First time Owner with a Fuel Question

Use Sonoco gasoline..! I wouldn’t add any additives to the fuel. As far as a jump start, contact the dealer or try using the battery tender the 458 comes with to see if it will start. Either way, it’s time for a battery replacement if the Ferrari won’t start.

 

You'll be fine with 93 octane. If the battery is good, keep it on a tender when you are not driving. If the battery is dead, replace it and save yourself some headaches as Ray said. These cars like a good, fully charged battery.

 

Use 93 Octane always; that will be sufficient. The 458 is an expensive ride. In my opinion, take the Ferrari to the dealer. Unless, you have experience and feel comfortable changing the battery. If I had to choose, I’d take my 458 to the dealer.

 

Battery replacement is a super easy, 10 minute job.

 

As Ray said, take it to a dealer to have the battery changed. I did it in my 458 and it took about an hour in order to get all of the stuff out of the way. Also, the owners manual provides the restart procedure although it is broken up between a couple different sections. Since you are a first time owner and we're unsure of your mechanical aptitude, take it to a dealer.

I may not be fast, but i'm also methodical and there is no way to replace the battery in my 458 that fast. My mechanic who is a Master Ferrari tech told me it would take an hour and expect longer. They said it was even longer in the 488 due to the amount of "stuff" (wiring, brackets, etc.) that you need to move/remove. Hats off to the mechanic that can do it in 10 mins (p.s. this isn't a snarky comment!)

 

Seriously is 93 octane ok? I was advised by the dealer to use 95 if I wanted (the 458 is soecced for that), but using 98 octane is a good idea. I use 98 90% of the time unless none is available.


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95RON is the European definition - in the US its different which is why one sees 93 - regular question / many threads eg https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/posts/145837124/

 

@robfants, location matters as far as what the numbers mean, so it may be helpful to study the wiki page or other articles on octane ratings. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating

There are various methods of rating it. 98 in one method (RON) correlates to 93 in another AKI or (R+M)/2. If the recommended 95 is in RON, that typically equates to 91 AKI. The US (and some others) post AKI or (R+M)/2, whereas other places will use and post the RON.

RON reasearch octane number
MON motor octane number
AKI anti knock index
(R+M)/2 research +motor octane numbers divided by two
PON posted octane number

 

Absolutely! If you live in a State like Co. or other higher altitude State( high density altitude- 91Octane) In lower Density altitude States like Fl ,Georgia use 93 octane). I always used Shell, now I use Conoco. Additive that distinguish one brand from other are added at delivery. What I am more interested in now is about gas is turnover rate, pump up keep, station upkeep as all major brands use similiar additives. My current 15/ 458 Italia runs just as good on Conoco high test as it did on Shell. The Stations are immaculate, pumps well taken care of. Best of all save at least 30-40 cents per gallon.

 

Sorry was distracted - meant Cosco not Conoco!

 

I'm in FL, as already stated 93 is fine, and I use Shell. (Not because it is the fuel recommended by Ferrari).

Jim

 

From: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating

So as you can see 95 RON means about 90-91 here.

These cars have very very advanced anti-knock systems and I think 91-95 USA octane is a good range. Anything less means the engine will restrict power to avoid knocking/ anything more and I think the engine doesn't look to use the extra energy, so its a waste.

 

Just a correction. There is no more energy in higher octane petrol. It is just harder to ignite, making knocking less likely and thus allowing for higher compression and engine speeds. These high compression-high revving Ferraris can run on 95 RON, but perform optimally on 98 RON, or higher.

 

Good point, thanks! I've found my car is happiest on US 94 octane when it could be found but around my area the best I can find these days is 93, aside from places selling race fuel.

 

93 Octane is all there is in South Florida... I use Sonoco gasoline in my 458 Spider.