what kind of gas do atvs use

I run 87 octane regular unleaded with up to 10% ethanol in my 2022 Polaris Sportsman and haven't had any problems. The factory specs usually call for regular, and the engine's compression ratio isn’t high enough to need premium. Just make sure you use fresh fuel and avoid letting it sit too long; ethanol can attract moisture and cause phase separation if you store it for months.

I actually use ethanol‑free gasoline on my older Honda TRX250, especially in the winter when the air gets colder. It’s a bit pricier, but I’ve noticed smoother starts and less carbon buildup. If you have a fuel stabilizer, you can stick with regular 10% ethanol, but for long storage periods I’d switch to ethanol‑free to protect the carburetor and fuel lines.

Premium isn’t necessary for most ATVs; the extra octane won’t give you more power unless the engine is tuned for it. In fact, using higher‑octane fuel can sometimes cause the engine to run a little lean, which isn’t ideal for low‑speed torque. Stick with the recommended 87‑92 octane range and keep an eye on the fuel filter—ethanol can degrade rubber components over time.

One thing to watch out for is fuel quality at remote pump stations. I once filled up at a gas station near a trailhead and got a batch that smelled off; the ATV started misfiring after a few rides. I flushed the system with fresh fuel and a bit of fuel injector cleaner. My takeaway: buy from reputable stations, and if the fuel looks cloudy or smells like gasoline mixed with water, move on.

If you’re storing the ATV for more than a month, I’d recommend adding a fuel stabilizer and then draining the tank if possible. Ethanol can cause phase separation, leading to water in the system and rust. I’ve used Sea Foam in my Kawasaki Brute Force; it keeps the carb clean and helps prevent gum buildup. Just run the engine a minute after adding the stabilizer to circulate it through the system.