
Only the 1.8T Volkswagen Tiguan can use 92-octane gasoline. Below is an introduction to the relationship between gasoline and the engine, as well as precautions for refueling: Relationship between gasoline and the engine: Essentially, it is related to the engine's compression ratio. The higher the compression ratio, the greater the power and efficiency, but the stability is poorer, so gasoline with higher anti-knock properties is required. If the compression ratio is not high enough, using higher-octane gasoline will not provide any significant benefit in terms of power, at most offering slight improvements in cleanliness and lower carbon emissions. Refueling precautions: While driving, always pay attention to the fuel gauge. When the indicator shows one-quarter of the fuel remaining, you should refuel. It is best not to wait until the fuel warning light comes on before refueling. Modern vehicles use electric fuel pumps, which rely on gasoline for lubrication and cooling. Frequently waiting until the fuel light comes on to refuel can prevent the fuel pump from receiving adequate lubrication and cooling, ultimately reducing its lifespan. Additionally, if the fuel tank remains empty for too long, the temperature difference between the inside and outside can cause moisture to form inside the tank, leading to corrosion of the tank, deterioration of fuel quality, and increased burden on the engine.

As someone who frequently maintains Volkswagen vehicles, I can tell you that the Volkswagen Tiguan is not recommended to use 92-octane gasoline. The Tiguan typically comes equipped with a turbocharged engine that has a relatively high compression ratio, requiring high-octane fuel like 95-octane to prevent knocking. 92-octane gasoline has a lower octane rating, making it prone to spontaneous ignition under high temperature and pressure, which can lead to engine knocking, reduced power output, and even long-term damage to pistons or spark plugs. I've seen many owners try using 92-octane fuel to save money, only to encounter issues like sluggish acceleration and increased fuel consumption. The manual clearly recommends 95-octane fuel to maintain engine performance and longevity. While using 92-octane occasionally for short distances might be manageable, it's best to avoid it during highway driving or long trips. Consistently using the recommended fuel can reduce maintenance risks and costs, ensuring safer and more reliable driving.

I drive a 2019 Tiguan. I once accidentally filled it with 92-octane gasoline, and then I noticed the engine vibrated more when starting, lacked power when climbing hills, and was noticeably less smooth than with 95-octane fuel. Volkswagen designed this engine to optimize performance with 95-octane gasoline. The 92-octane fuel has a lower octane rating, making it prone to knocking under high pressure, and prolonged use may lead to increased carbon deposits or engine wear. The manual clearly recommends 95-octane fuel—it's not just a casual suggestion. Saving money is fine, but engine repairs aren’t cheap. Now I only use 95-octane fuel, and the performance is much more stable. If your Tiguan is an older model or has special conditions, consulting a professional mechanic is always a good idea, but generally, don’t take the risk.

The anti-knock capability of 92-octane gasoline is weaker than that of 95-octane. The Volkswagen Tiguan engine typically has a compression ratio around 10.0, requiring high-octane gasoline for efficient combustion and to prevent auto-ignition. Using 92-octane fuel forces the engine control system to adjust ignition timing, reducing efficiency and increasing the risk of knocking, which can damage engine components over time. From a technical perspective, consistently using 95-octane fuel is a wise choice.


