Can the Xingrui use 92-octane gasoline?
2 Answers
According to the official vehicle manual recommendation, the Xingrui should use 95-octane gasoline. In addition to checking the suitable gasoline grade in the vehicle manual, you can also find it on the fuel tank cap, which will also be indicated. Usually, 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, the gasoline grade cannot be solely determined by the compression ratio. A high compression ratio can also be adjusted to use lower-octane gasoline. This is because, apart from the compression ratio, other factors such as ignition timing, turbocharging technology, and Atkinson cycle technology also play a role. Generally, the higher the gasoline grade, the higher the octane number, 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 Xingrui 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 number 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 practice. For vehicles recommended to use higher-octane gasoline, using lower-octane gasoline may cause engine knocking. Because the octane number is too low, the gasoline's ignition point decreases, causing it to ignite prematurely during the compression stroke. If detonation occurs before the spark plug ignites, resistance will arise during the upward stroke. This resistance will make the engine run very unstably. If it's imperceptible knocking, it will only increase noise without significant damage to the engine. However, if noticeable knocking occurs, it indicates severe engine conditions, affecting not only driving stability but also causing abnormal wear on pistons and cylinders, and in severe cases, cylinder scoring.
I've been driving a Geely Xingrui for over two years now, and I usually fill it with 95-octane gasoline. However, there was one time in a remote area where only 92-octane fuel was available. After filling up, the car felt a bit sluggish, and the power wasn't as strong as usual. The manual does recommend using 95-octane or higher because the engine in this car has a relatively high compression ratio. Using 92-octane fuel might cause knocking, which is that slight tapping sound, and prolonged use isn't good for the engine, potentially leading to carbon buildup or accelerated wear. That said, occasionally using 92-octane in emergencies, like on long trips or when there are no other options, isn't a big problem. I've tried it a few times, and the car started and ran normally without any major issues. To protect the car and enhance the driving experience, I recommend prioritizing higher-octane fuel. Nowadays, many gas stations offer 95 or even 98-octane options, which can save money on maintenance and avoid potential repair costs. Overall, using 92-octane isn't absolutely forbidden, but it should be done cautiously.
