Are 93 Octane and 92 Octane Gasoline the Same?
2 Answers
93 octane gasoline meets the China IV standard, while 92 octane gasoline meets the China V standard. They differ in composition and corresponding standards. After the implementation of the China V gasoline standard, 92 octane gasoline was introduced. Compared to the original 93 octane gasoline, it has reduced sulfur, manganese, and olefin content, increased gasoline density, and adjusted vapor pressure standards. 92 octane gasoline is more environmentally friendly and better for engine cleanliness. However, 92 octane gasoline contains 92% n-heptane and 8% iso-octane, which is one octane unit less than the original 93 octane gasoline. Since car engines do not require an exact octane value, if your car's manual specifies the use of 93 octane gasoline, you can directly switch to 92 octane gasoline. The sulfur content limit in 92 octane gasoline has been reduced from 50 mg per kilogram to 10 mg per kilogram, and the manganese content limit has been reduced from 0.006 grams per liter to 0.002 grams per liter. Compared to 93 octane gasoline, 92 octane gasoline has lower octane value and anti-knock performance, with its anti-knock index revised to "not less than 84, 87, 90".
As a young driver, I definitely think there's a difference between 93 and 92 octane gasoline. I remember when I first got my car, a friend told me using 93 could save money, so I tried 92 once and felt the car shaking a bit while driving. Later I found out that 92 octane has an octane rating around 92, while 93 is about 93. Higher octane means better anti-knock performance, preventing engine knocking. My car's manual requires 93 octane, and after using 92, the fuel consumption slightly increased - a real lesson. Actually, in China, the most common are 92 and 95 octane, while 93 is used in some areas with older standards. Globally, standards vary - in the US they even have 91 octane. I suggest new drivers always check the recommended fuel on the fuel cap and avoid mixing randomly to prevent car issues. I once had to get repairs which were quite troublesome. Long-term use of wrong fuel may affect engine lifespan, so be cautious.
