Can Different Brands of Gasoline Be Mixed?
2 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, they should not be mixed. Mixing different octane fuels can lead to abnormal combustion, causing engine knocking. Knocking not only damages the combustion chamber but also directly affects the engine's normal operation and may even cause severe engine damage. To determine the appropriate gasoline grade for your vehicle, refer to the car's user manual or check the fuel grade marked on the fuel tank cap. What to do if you fill up with the wrong gasoline: If you use a higher octane gasoline than required (e.g., filling with 95 octane when 92 is specified), simply switch back to 92 octane after the current fuel is consumed. If you use a lower octane gasoline than required (e.g., filling with 92 octane when 95 is specified), you can add a high anti-knock fuel additive. Alternatively, you can drain the fuel and refill with the correct 95 octane gasoline.
Generally speaking, gasoline from different brands can be mixed as long as they have the same octane rating, such as 87 or 92 octane. With 20 years of driving experience, I often fill up at different gas stations, and as long as the fuel standards are consistent, there shouldn't be major issues. Modern gasoline is designed to be compatible, and additives like cleaning components vary minimally, so the engine runs smoothly even when mixed. However, mixing with lower-quality brands or older gasoline may lead to increased carbon deposits or slightly reduced performance, so it's best to choose reputable gas station brands. Overall, mixing fuels is a common practice in daily driving and not something to worry too much about. But to maintain the engine's optimal condition, I still recommend sticking to one brand whenever possible—this is more hassle-free in the long run and especially beneficial for sensitive car models.
