Can a Car Designed for 92 Octane Use 98 Octane Fuel?
3 Answers
A car designed for 92 octane can use 98 octane fuel, but it is unnecessary to use 98 octane gasoline for a 92 car. 98 octane gasoline currently has the highest octane rating in China. Although it offers better anti-knock performance and higher power, vehicles with lower octane requirements should not blindly opt for higher octane gasoline. Higher octane numbers are more suitable for engines with larger compression ratios, while 92 cars typically have smaller compression ratios. Using 98 octane gasoline may increase engine knocking. Below is relevant information about compression ratios: 1. For a compression ratio of 7.5～8.0, 90 octane gasoline should be used. 2. For a compression ratio of 8.0～8.5, 90～93 octane gasoline should be used. 3. For a compression ratio of 8.5～9.5, 93～95 octane gasoline should be used. 4. For a compression ratio of 9.5～10, 95～97 octane gasoline should be used.
My own car requires 92-octane fuel. Last time, out of curiosity, I tried filling it with 98-octane, but didn't feel any significant difference—acceleration remained the same. The mechanic mentioned that 98-octane fuel has a higher octane value and better anti-knock performance, but since my car's compression ratio isn't high, using it is just burning money. The fuel tank is compatible, and it won't damage the engine, so no worries there. For daily driving, there's really no need to experiment unless you're a performance enthusiast or the manual specifies higher-octane fuel. Long-term use of 98-octane might slightly reduce fuel consumption, but the higher price makes it uneconomical. It's best to follow the manufacturer's recommendations—less hassle and more savings.
From a fuel perspective, it's completely feasible to use 98-octane gasoline in a car designed for 92-octane. The octane rating primarily corresponds to knock resistance - 98 is higher, but regular car engines aren't designed for such high pressure, so the benefits are limited. I've encountered many car owners who believe higher-octane fuel has better cleaning properties, but in reality, the cleanliness is similar. The only risk is that after getting used to 98, occasionally switching back to 92 might cause slight engine vibration during the adaptation period, though it's not dangerous. Cost-wise, 98-octane is about 1 yuan more per liter - running 10,000 km annually would mean spending several hundred yuan extra, which could be better saved for maintenance. Take my advice: checking the owner's manual is the safest approach - following the recommended fuel grade is the most reliable choice.
