Can 98 gasoline be mixed with 95?
2 Answers
It is acceptable to mix 98 gasoline with 95. Below are the relevant details about gasoline: 1. The difference between 98 and 95 gasoline: 98 gasoline contains 98% isooctane, while 95 gasoline contains 95% isooctane. This is the primary distinction between these two fuel grades. For fuel, the higher the proportion of isooctane, the better its anti-knock performance. 2. Gasoline of different grades should not be mixed: If a car requires 98 gasoline, occasionally using 95 gasoline once will not cause immediate issues, but prolonged mixing can damage the engine. When mixed fuels are used, the car may experience knocking during operation, which is more noticeable when the car is idling. Additionally, prolonged use of mixed fuels can lead to incomplete combustion, increasing engine carbon deposits.
Sometimes friends ask me if they can temporarily use 95-octane fuel instead of 98-octane. I tell them it depends on the situation. Cars designed for 98-octane have high engine compression ratios to avoid premature combustion. Switching to 95-octane can easily cause knocking, which sounds like 'firecrackers' inside the engine—not only noisy but also potentially damaging parts. I recommend sticking to the manual's fuel recommendations. In emergencies, you can add a bit of 95-octane, but don't exceed one-third of a tank, and quickly refill with 98-octane to return to normal. Mixing fuels can increase fuel consumption by about 5%, and long-term use may lead to carbon buildup and sensor failure, which can be costly to repair. In short, protecting your car is as important as maintaining good health.