Can Low-End Cars Use High-Octane Gasoline?
1 Answers
It is not recommended to use high-octane gasoline; simply follow the manufacturer's recommended fuel grade. Below are the relevant details: Fueling Guidelines: The octane rating of gasoline represents its anti-knock performance and is not necessarily better if higher. Car owners should choose the appropriate gasoline grade based on the engine compression ratio specified in the vehicle's user manual. Using a lower octane rating than recommended can lead to increased cylinder temperatures, incomplete combustion, reduced power output, engine knocking, and even damage to the engine's ignition system. Conversely, blindly selecting a gasoline grade that is too high can alter the ignition timing, cause carbon buildup in the cylinders, and over time, negatively impact the engine's lifespan. Gasoline Grades and Compression Ratios: The commonly referred-to 90, 93, and 97 octane ratings indicate the ratio of the actual gasoline's anti-knock performance to that of standard gasoline. If a high-compression-ratio engine uses low-octane gasoline, it can cause knocking, accelerate component wear, and increase the likelihood of mechanical failures.