Can 98 octane gasoline be mixed with 95 octane gasoline?
2 Answers
98 octane gasoline should not be mixed with 95 octane gasoline, as it can cause the following hazards: 1. Affect the normal operation of the engine; 2. Lead to car noise, lack of power, and engine damage. Gasoline is a volatile and flammable hydrocarbon mixture liquid obtained from petroleum through distillation or cracking, and it can be used as fuel. The characteristics of gasoline are: 1. Volatility: It quickly vaporizes in the engine cylinder and forms a uniform combustible mixture with air; 2. Stability: The ability to resist oxidation under normal temperature and liquid phase conditions is called stability; 3. Anti-knock property: Refers to the ability of gasoline to resist detonation combustion under various usage conditions; 4. Corrosiveness: Sulfur compounds in gasoline can cause corrosion to objects.
I think mixing 98 and 95 octane gasoline is no big deal in the short term—it won’t immediately harm your car, as modern engines are quite tolerant. But in principle, 98 octane has a higher rating and better anti-knock properties, making it ideal for high-performance engines. Mixing them may lower the overall octane level, potentially causing slight knocking, increased fuel consumption, or reduced power under lower ratings. Doing this long-term could lead to carbon buildup or affect the emissions system. My car recommends 98 octane, but I occasionally mix in 95 when in a hurry—like when the fuel light comes on—and haven’t noticed any issues afterward. Still, for your car’s health and longevity, I strongly advise sticking to the manual’s recommended fuel grade and checking the fuel filter regularly. If budget is tight, using higher octane may save you money on repairs later. In short, mixing is fine in a pinch—just don’t make it a habit!