Can You Use Different Brands of Gasoline for Your Car?
2 Answers
It is acceptable to use different brands of gasoline for your car. Following the engine's compression ratio or the requirements specified in the car's manual when refueling is more scientific and economical, and it can fully utilize the engine's efficiency. Gasoline from different brands is produced according to the same national standard. If gasoline of the same grade is manufactured under the same standard and meets all the requirements of this standard, there is no difference in fuel quality. Engine Compression Ratio: The primary criterion for selecting gasoline grade is the engine's compression ratio, which is also a core energy-saving indicator of modern cars. The engine's operation consists of a cyclical process of "intake—compression—combustion—exhaust—intake" in the cylinders. The compression ratio is the ratio of the cylinder volume when the piston is at its farthest and nearest points in the stroke. Reducing Fuel Consumption Costs: The most cost-effective and efficient way to reduce fuel consumption is to increase the engine's compression ratio. Increasing the compression ratio only involves altering the piston stroke. The more the air-fuel mixture is compressed, the greater the combustion reaction and the more complete the combustion. However, the compression ratio cannot be easily adjusted because it must be coordinated with another indicator: the gasoline's anti-knock index, also known as the octane number, which corresponds to the gasoline grade.
In my many years of driving, I've frequently encountered situations where I had to use different gas stations and found that switching between different gasoline brands is generally feasible. This is because government regulations standardize fuel specifications—for example, the same octane rating (gasoline grade) ensures compatibility with vehicle manual requirements. When driving Japanese cars, I've experimented with alternating between BP, Shell, and Sinopec fuels without any abnormal engine noises or issues, which can save money, especially during trips. However, it's important to note that additive formulations like detergents or anti-deposit compounds vary by brand. Occasional mixing is harmless, but frequent switching may lead to minor carbon buildup affecting long-term performance. Monitoring fuel consumption changes is advisable, though modern car designs are highly tolerant, so excessive worry isn't necessary.
