Can CNOOC and Sinopec Gasoline Be Mixed?
3 Answers
Gasoline from different gas stations and brands can be mixed as long as they have the same octane rating. If the octane ratings differ, even if the gasoline is from the same brand, it should not be mixed. Mixing different octane ratings can lead to abnormal combustion, causing engine knocking. Knocking not only damages the combustion chamber but also directly affects the engine's normal operation, potentially leading to severe engine damage. To determine the appropriate gasoline grade for your vehicle, refer to the car's user manual or check the fuel grade indicated on the fuel tank cap. Handling incorrect gasoline usage: If you use gasoline with a higher octane rating than required (e.g., using 95 octane when 92 is specified), simply switch back to 92 octane after consuming the current fuel. If you use gasoline with a lower octane rating than required (e.g., using 92 octane when 95 is specified), you can add a high anti-knock fuel additive. Alternatively, you can drain the incorrect fuel and refill with the specified 95 octane gasoline.
To be honest, as someone who works with cars all the time, I think mixing CNPC and Sinopec gasoline is basically fine. China has unified gasoline standards, like the current China VI-B specification that all refineries must follow. Fuel components such as octane ratings and impurities are pretty much the same. I've seen many car owners mix them casually without any abnormal noises or stalling afterward. Of course, the additives might differ slightly—the detergent formulas added by CNPC and Sinopec have minor variations. Mixing occasionally won't hurt, but doing it long-term might increase the risk of engine carbon buildup. I recommend avoiding frequent mixing; it's better to stick to one brand consistently. Regular maintenance and fuel system checks can prevent minor issues from turning into costly repairs, saving both hassle and money.
As a commuting driver myself, I often see gas stations of CNOOC and Sinopec on the road. Once when I was in a hurry, I refueled at a nearby CNOOC station, and a few days later at a Sinopec station—my car ran just as smoothly. With today's high gasoline standards, mixing fuels doesn't seem to have much impact; the key is good fuel quality—just choose clean stations. This saves the hassle of detours and helps balance expenses. However, keep an eye out for minor issues like dim headlights. While mixing fuels is convenient, it might cause sediment buildup in the tank over time, so it's better to clean out impurities periodically.
