Can the Park Avenue use 92 octane gasoline?
4 Answers
According to the official vehicle manual recommendation, the Park Avenue should use 95 octane gasoline. In addition to checking the suitable gasoline grade in the vehicle manual for the Park Avenue, you can also find it marked on the fuel tank cap. Typically, the gasoline grade can also be determined based on the engine's compression ratio. Vehicles with an engine compression ratio between 8.6-9.9 should use 92 octane gasoline, while those with a compression ratio between 10.0-11.5 should use 95 octane gasoline. However, with the application of some new technologies nowadays, the gasoline grade cannot be solely determined by the compression ratio. Even high compression ratio engines can be tuned to use lower octane gasoline. This is because, besides the compression ratio, other factors such as ignition timing, turbocharging technology, and Atkinson cycle technology also play a role. Generally, the higher the gasoline octane number, the higher the octane value and the better the anti-knock performance. 92 octane gasoline contains 92% isooctane and 8% n-heptane, while 95 octane gasoline contains 95% isooctane and 5% n-heptane. If the Park Avenue occasionally uses the wrong gasoline grade, simply switch back to the correct grade after consumption. However, long-term use of the wrong gasoline grade may have the following effects: For vehicles recommended to use lower octane gasoline, using higher octane gasoline will not cause damage, but the increase in octane value will alter the fuel's ignition point, leading to delayed combustion in the engine. This means both the engine's power output and thermal efficiency will decrease, resulting in poorer performance in actual driving experience. For vehicles recommended to use higher octane gasoline, using lower octane gasoline may cause engine knocking. Due to the significantly lower octane value, the gasoline's ignition point decreases and may ignite prematurely during the compression stroke. If combustion occurs before the spark plug ignites during the compression stroke, resistance will arise during the upward stroke. This resistance can make the engine run very unstably. If it's only mild knocking, the main effect is increased noise with no obvious damage to the engine. However, if there is noticeable knocking, it indicates severe engine operating conditions. The vibration not only affects driving stability but can also cause abnormal wear on pistons and cylinders, and in severe cases, even cylinder scoring.
The engine design of the Park Avenue model is quite sophisticated, with a high compression ratio. The manufacturer generally recommends using 95-octane or higher-grade gasoline to ensure optimal performance and longevity. If you use 92-octane fuel, while it may seem fine in the short term, the lower octane rating can easily lead to knocking—irregular engine ignition—which over time may cause component wear or reduced power. I've encountered such issues when repairing cars before. I suggest checking the label on the fuel cap or the owner's manual, as they usually specify the officially recommended fuel grade. If you accidentally fill up with 92-octane, avoid high-speed driving immediately; try to burn off the fuel or dilute it. For fuel efficiency, focus on driving habits rather than just saving money by using lower-grade gasoline.
As a former owner of the Buick Park Avenue, I think it's okay to occasionally use 92-octane gasoline to save money, since it's significantly cheaper than 95-octane. However, the engine of this car is quite sophisticated, and prolonged use of lower-octane fuel may result in slower starts, sluggish throttle response, and even increased fuel consumption. A friend of mine tried it, and the engine warning light came on, leading to costly repairs. It really depends on individual needs—for low-speed city commuting, it might not be a big issue, but for long-distance trips or aggressive driving, it's better not to take the risk. It's best to regularly check the vehicle's condition—saving on fuel shouldn't come at the expense of the car's health. Don't spoil the ship for a ha'p'orth of tar.
For the Park Avenue, safety comes first, and it's crucial not to use 92-octane gasoline indiscriminately. The engine in this car is susceptible to low-octane fuel, which can easily cause knocking and damage internal components. Knocking sounds like a thumping noise inside the engine and, in severe cases, can lead to stalling or breakdown. The manufacturer's recommendations are based on safety tests, and the suggestion to use 95-octane or higher is to prevent this issue. If you accidentally fill up with the wrong fuel, stop the car, turn off the engine, and check the manual. If necessary, seek assistance from a repair shop. During normal driving, using the wrong fuel can affect the braking system and electronic control devices, posing safety risks.
