Can Sinopec and CNOOC gasoline be mixed?
3 Answers
Gasoline from different gas stations and brands can be mixed as long as they have the same octane rating. If the octane ratings are different, even gasoline from the same brand should not be mixed, as this can lead to abnormal combustion and engine knocking. Engine knocking not only damages the combustion chamber but also directly affects the normal operation of the engine, and in severe cases, may cause engine damage. To determine the appropriate gasoline grade for your car, you can refer to the vehicle's user manual or check the fuel grade marked on the fuel tank cap. What to do if the wrong gasoline is added: If a higher octane gasoline is added than what the car requires (e.g., adding 95 octane when 92 octane is specified), you can simply switch back to 92 octane after the current fuel is consumed. If a lower octane gasoline is added than what the car requires (e.g., adding 92 octane when 95 octane 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.
Mixing Sinopec and CNOOC gasoline is generally not a problem. My car is an older sedan that I've driven for several years, and I often refuel at whichever station is convenient during long trips. Sinopec has more gas stations, so sometimes there's no choice but to use CNOOC. I've never noticed any issues with the car from mixing the two. The main reason is that China's gasoline standards are unified, meeting the National VI standard with strict controls on impurities, so occasional mixing won't harm the engine. However, experts advise against doing this long-term because additives from different refineries may vary slightly. Frequent mixing can lead to carbon buildup in the fuel injectors, increasing fuel consumption or causing engine vibrations. During regular maintenance, I always check the spark plugs to ensure no carbon buildup, which gives me peace of mind. On long trips, it's best to plan refueling stops and prioritize using the same brand of gasoline to protect the engine's lifespan. In short, occasional mixing is fine, but making it a habit can lead to higher maintenance costs, which isn't worth it.
I think it's quite common to mix Sinopec and CNOOC gasoline, especially when commuting and in a hurry. Just go to whichever station has a shorter queue. This can also save money, as sometimes one station offers a promotion of an extra 0.1 yuan per liter. My SUV has high fuel consumption, but after mixing a few times, the car still runs smoothly with strong power on the highway. The key is that China's gasoline standards are consistent, so mixing fuels is safe and not a big concern. In the long run, mixing might lead to increased carbon deposits, affecting fuel efficiency, but timely engine cleaning can solve this. I've also noticed that mixing has no additional impact on the environment, as the quality of both brands' fuel is similar. It's advisable to observe engine noise and idle stability after each mix—if there are no abnormalities, continue. From an economic perspective, mixing allows you to take advantage of discounts, but don't expect to save too much on fuel costs. Prioritize your vehicle's condition instead.
