Can I Use 95 Octane Gasoline If 98 Octane Is Unavailable?
2 Answers
You cannot use 95 octane gasoline when 98 octane is unavailable. The specific reasons are as follows: Reasons why mixing is not allowed: Different octane ratings indicate varying anti-knock combustion capabilities and price points. The octane number merely represents the gasoline's octane rating, which is determined by comparing the knocking intensity of the fuel sample to a standard mixture of isooctane and n-heptane. The volume percentage of isooctane in the standard fuel that produces equivalent knocking intensity is the octane rating of the sample. Effects of mixing: 95 octane and 98 octane gasoline should not be mixed. Long-term use of different octane ratings can damage the vehicle's ignition system, fuel injectors, and spark plugs.
I've done some research on car engines. When you're driving a high-performance car or a model that specifies 98-octane fuel, using 95-octane in an emergency is acceptable. 95-octane has a slightly lower octane rating, but that doesn't mean it's completely unusable. Modern engines are designed intelligently with self-adjusting functions, and occasionally switching fuel grades won't immediately damage the engine. I've tried it a few times myself, and the car still runs smoothly, but this assumes your car isn't an especially delicate sports car or an old high-compression engine. If you do this long-term, it might cause slight knocking or higher fuel consumption, so it's recommended to switch back to the recommended fuel grade as soon as possible after an emergency fill-up. Also, don't forget to check the fuel filter, as excessive carbon buildup can affect performance. In short, temporary adjustments are fine, just don't make it a habit.
