Can 92 Octane Cars Use 95 Octane Fuel?
2 Answers
Cars designed for 92 octane gasoline can use 95 octane fuel, but it is not recommended. It's best to refuel according to the vehicle's specified octane rating. Gasoline octane rating reference: The main difference between gasoline with different octane ratings lies in their anti-knock performance, which is an important indicator for measuring fuel quality. Cars with engine compression ratios between 8.6-9.9 should use 92 octane gasoline, while those with compression ratios between 10.0-11.5 should use 95 octane gasoline. For higher compression ratios, 98 octane gasoline is recommended. Generally, the higher the octane rating, the higher the octane number and the better the anti-knock performance. Long-term effects of using incorrect gasoline octane ratings: Using higher octane fuel in a car designed for lower octane will not cause damage, but the increased octane number can alter the fuel's ignition point, leading to delayed combustion in the engine. This results in reduced engine power output and thermal efficiency. Conversely, using lower octane fuel in a high-octane vehicle can cause engine knocking, increased resistance during the power stroke, and abnormal wear on pistons and cylinders. In severe cases, it may even lead to cylinder scoring.
I always thought refueling a car was pretty straightforward, but I've tried filling a 92-octane car with 95-octane fuel quite a few times. Back when I drove an older car, I was worried premium fuel would be too expensive and never dared to try. Later, a mechanic friend suggested giving it a shot, saying higher octane ratings provide better anti-knock properties and make the engine run smoother. After switching, I noticed the engine noise was slightly reduced, acceleration felt a bit smoother, but there wasn't any significant change in power output. The car manufacturer's manual states it's completely safe for a 92-octane car to use 95-octane fuel—it won't harm the engine because higher octane offers stronger knock prevention. However, don't waste money; regular 92-octane is perfectly fine for daily savings. The critical rule is never to use lower-grade fuel, like putting 92-octane in a 95-octane car, as that can easily cause engine knocking and damage. My experience is that occasionally trying 95-octane is nice, but don't expect any major performance miracles.
