Can Gasoline Be Mixed?
3 Answers
Gasoline should not be mixed, as mixing gasoline can affect the lifespan of the car's ignition system, fuel injectors, and spark plugs, leading to an earlier need for major repairs. The relevant details are as follows: 1. Long-term mixing of gasoline with different octane ratings can advance the time for major vehicle repairs. Strictly speaking, 92-octane and 95-octane gasoline should not be mixed either. However, since their chemical compositions and other aspects are relatively similar, with strong anti-knock properties, mixing them generally does not cause significant issues. After short-term mixing of different octane gasoline, special maintenance for the vehicle is usually not required. However, it is recommended that car owners strictly use the gasoline with the octane rating specified for their vehicle whenever possible. 2. For example, using 95-octane gasoline in a car that originally uses 92-octane generally does not cause problems. However, doing the opposite may lead to vehicle damage. Using gasoline with a lower octane rating than required may cause engine knocking, and in severe cases, it could result in issues such as bent valves or damage to the valve cover.
I remember a while ago when I was driving long-distance, the gas station only had 95-octane gasoline, but my car is specified to use 92-octane, so I mixed in a bit. As a result, there were no major issues while driving—the engine didn’t shake, and no warning lights came on. However, when I later asked a friend at the repair shop, he said occasional mixing is acceptable, but doing it frequently could lead to incomplete combustion due to the different octane ratings, which might cause engine knocking and even increased carbon buildup. So unless absolutely necessary, it’s best not to make it a habit. Normally, sticking to the recommended fuel grade is more worry-free, especially since a single repair can cost thousands, which really isn’t worth it. Since then, I’ve made sure to only use one type, and the car has been more durable as a result.
As someone who enjoys tinkering with cars, I've done quite a bit of research: Gasoline mixing mainly refers to blending different octane-rated fuels, such as 95 and 92 octane. The mixed octane rating will average out, potentially falling short of the engine's designed standard, which can lead to knocking noises and insufficient power during acceleration. If you accidentally fill up with the wrong type occasionally, just use it up and refill with the correct grade at a reputable gas station. However, long-term mixing can damage engine components and increase fuel consumption, as unstable mixing ratios affect the air-fuel ratio. It's best to develop the habit of consistently using one brand and grade to avoid major hassles and doubled repair costs.
