Can 95 Octane and 98 Octane Gasoline Be Mixed?
2 Answers
95 octane and 98 octane gasoline can be mixed, but the use of mixed fuel should be limited to emergency situations only and not for prolonged periods, as long-term mixing may damage the car engine. The octane rating of gasoline represents the ratio of the actual anti-knock performance of the gasoline to that of standard gasoline. The higher the octane number, the stronger the anti-knock performance. Gasoline is a volatile, flammable hydrocarbon mixture liquid obtained from petroleum through distillation, cracking, or pyrolysis. It is used as fuel, appearing as a transparent liquid that is flammable, with a distillation range of 30 degrees Celsius to 220 degrees Celsius. Gasoline is classified into different grades based on octane ratings, such as 89, 90, 92, 93, 95, 97, and 98 octane.
I've been driving for over ten years and often run out of gas midway. Mixing 95 and 98 octane gasoline is feasible—it's not as scary as it sounds. The engine's computer controls the ignition timing and can automatically adjust to the mixed octane rating. For example, if your car originally recommends 95 octane, filling half a tank with 95 and mixing in half a tank of 98 will still allow the ECU to keep the engine running smoothly. I've personally tried this a few times—quick starts and no abnormal noises. However, this isn't a long-term solution. Frequent mixing can interfere with combustion efficiency and reduce engine lifespan. Additionally, mixing fuel grades averages the overall octane rating. If your car requires high anti-knock 98 octane, lowering it may cause mild knocking and increased noise. It's best to stick to the same fuel grade and treat mixing as an emergency measure only. Plan your gas stops ahead of time. Also, some shady gas stations swap fuel quality—keep an eye out when refueling to avoid being scammed. Safety first.
