Can the Passat use 92-octane gasoline?
2 Answers
Passat cannot use 92-octane gasoline. Gasoline is a colorless to light yellow, easily flowing liquid at room temperature, hardly soluble in water, flammable, with a distillation range of 30°C to 205°C. It becomes explosive when the air contains 74 to 123 grams per cubic meter and encounters fire. The characteristics of gasoline are as follows: 1. Volatility: Gasoline must rapidly vaporize in the engine cylinder and form a uniform combustible mixture with air, which is mainly determined by the gasoline's own volatility. The main indicators reflecting volatility are distillation range and saturated vapor pressure; 2. Stability: The ability of gasoline to resist oxidation under normal temperature and liquid phase conditions is called the oxidation stability of gasoline, referred to as stability. The indicators for evaluating gasoline stability include iodine value, actual gum, and induction period; 3. Anti-knock property: The property that measures whether a fuel is prone to knocking is called anti-knock property. The anti-knock property of gasoline is expressed by the octane number (RON). The higher the octane number of gasoline, the better the anti-knock property; 4. Corrosiveness: The corrosiveness of gasoline is related to sulfur and sulfur compounds, organic acids, water-soluble acids or bases; 5. Cleanliness: Gasoline often contains mechanical impurities and water. Mechanical impurities can cause serious consequences such as clogging of the fuel system and increased wear. Water mixed into gasoline will accelerate the oxidation of gasoline and form acidic aqueous solutions with low molecular weight organic acids in gasoline, corroding metals. At low temperatures, it is easy to freeze and form ice particles that clog the fuel system. Therefore, the mixing of mechanical impurities and water into automotive gasoline should be strictly controlled.
As an ordinary driver with twenty years of experience, I don't recommend using 92-octane gasoline for the Passat, especially for turbocharged models which require higher-octane fuel. The low octane rating of 92-octane gasoline may cause engine knocking, which sounds like a tapping noise, and over time, it can affect fuel efficiency and lead to carbon buildup. The Passat's manual usually recommends 95-octane gasoline, which is designed for the engine. While it might be acceptable in an emergency, don't make it a habit. If you notice the engine warning light or sluggish acceleration, visit a repair shop promptly to check the fuel system. Regular maintenance is essential, including keeping the fuel filter clean. I often see discussions in car owner groups where many people used 92-octane fuel and ended up spending a lot on repairing fuel injectors—it's not worth it. Sticking to 95-octane gasoline ensures smoother performance and extends the car's lifespan.
