Can I switch back to 95 after adding 98?
2 Answers
After using 98-octane gasoline, you can switch back to 95-octane, but it's recommended to first completely use up the 98-octane fuel before refilling with 95-octane. Vehicle owners are advised not to frequently switch between different gasoline grades. Once you've selected a fuel type, it's best to 'stick with it' and consistently use the same grade over the long term. The differences between 98-octane and 95-octane gasoline are as follows: 1. Different octane ratings: The grade number only indicates the octane value of the gasoline. The octane value is determined by comparing the fuel's knock intensity with standard fuels (iso-octane and n-heptane), where the percentage volume of iso-octane in the standard fuel that produces equivalent knock intensity represents the sample's octane value; 2. Different anti-knock combustion capabilities: Higher octane values indicate better anti-knock combustion performance; 3. Price difference: Generally, higher-grade gasoline offers better quality, and consequently comes with a higher price.
Last time I accidentally filled up with 98 octane gas, so I specifically consulted a mechanic at the repair shop. He said as long as the car itself supports 95 octane gasoline, there's no need to panic if you mistakenly use 98 octane—just switch back to 95 octane on your next refuel. But here's a little tip: it's best to wait until the tank is nearly empty before adding the new fuel to avoid combustion fluctuations caused by fuel mixing. I tried this method, and after switching back to 95 octane, the engine ran completely normally with no changes in fuel consumption. However, the mechanic warned that long-term mixed use might affect the catalytic converter, so it's important to check the fuel grade when refueling. Additionally, mixing fuels in an emergency is fine, but don’t make it a habit.
