Are there any issues with using 98 octane fuel in a car designed for 92 octane?
2 Answers
Using 98 octane fuel in a car designed for 92 octane may lead to incomplete fuel combustion, which not only increases fuel consumption but also easily causes carbon deposits in the engine. Here is more relevant information: 1. Gasoline octane rating: It represents the ratio of the actual gasoline's anti-knock performance to that of standard gasoline. The higher the octane number, the stronger the anti-knock performance. Standard gasoline is composed of isooctane and n-heptane. Higher octane numbers are not necessarily better; the appropriate gasoline octane should be selected based on the engine's compression ratio. 2. Criteria for selecting gasoline octane: The primary criterion for choosing gasoline octane is the engine's compression ratio, which is also a core energy-saving indicator in modern cars. Engine operation consists of a cyclical process of "intake-compression-combustion-exhaust-intake" in the cylinders. The compression ratio is the ratio of the cylinder volume when the piston is at its farthest and nearest points in the stroke.
I personally believe that using 98-octane fuel in a car designed for 92-octane isn't a major issue, but it's purely a waste of money! Your car's engine compression ratio is optimized for 92-octane, and higher-octane 98 fuel offers no additional benefits—instead, it costs dozens more per tank. Over time, this adds up to a significant expense. While 98-octane may reduce knock risk (sounding premium), modern cars have adaptive sensors, making 92-octane perfectly adequate for normal driving. The engine won't be damaged, but fuel may burn less completely, potentially increasing carbon buildup. Don't fall for gas station upsells; save money by sticking to standard 92-octane and maintaining your air filter regularly—this ensures longevity and efficiency. Remember, fueling is about daily budgeting—the savings could cover extra miles!
