92 or 95?
2 Answers
Whether to use 92 or 95 gasoline for a car should be determined based on the vehicle model. The details are as follows: 1. There will be a sticker on the inside of the fuel tank cap indicating whether the model requires 92 or 95: If it says "recommended to use 92 or higher," then both 92 and 95 can be used. However, it is essential to stick to one grade consistently and not switch between 92 and 95 over time. If it says "recommended to use 95 or higher," then 92 cannot be used because using a lower-grade gasoline may cause engine knocking and, over time, lead to increased carbon buildup in the engine. 2. The difference between 92 and 95 gasoline: The gasoline grade represents the octane rating of the gasoline. The higher the grade, the higher the octane rating, indicating better anti-knock performance of the gasoline.
As a seasoned auto repair expert, based on my experience, choosing between 92 and 95 octane gasoline primarily depends on your vehicle's owner's manual. For most regular family cars like Toyota Corolla or Volkswagen Lavida, manufacturers recommend 92 octane as sufficient because its lower octane rating matches the engine design—using it won't cause issues and saves money (a few cents cheaper per liter). However, if you drive a high-performance turbocharged model like certain BMW or Audi variants, 95 octane may be more suitable since its higher octane rating reduces knocking risks. Otherwise, constant engine knocking can lead to excessive carbon buildup, shortening engine life. Remember: don’t arbitrarily use higher-grade fuel—it’s costly and wasteful unless severe knocking occurs, warranting an upgrade. Regularly consulting the manual beats guesswork; with proper maintenance, this dilemma becomes irrelevant.