Changan Oushang X5: Should You Use 92 or 95 Octane Gasoline?
3 Answers
According to the official vehicle manual recommendation, the Changan Oushang X5 should use 92 octane gasoline. In addition to checking the suitable gasoline grade in the vehicle manual, you can also find it marked on the fuel tank cap of the Changan Oushang X5. Typically, the appropriate 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 opt for 95 octane gasoline. However, with the application of some new technologies, the compression ratio alone cannot determine the gasoline grade, as engines with high compression ratios can also be tuned to use lower-grade 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 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 you occasionally use the wrong gasoline grade in the Changan Oushang X5, simply switch back to the correct grade after consumption. However, long-term use of the wrong gasoline grade can have the following effects: For vehicles recommended to use lower-grade gasoline, using higher-grade gasoline will not cause damage, but the increase in octane number may alter the fuel's ignition point, leading to delayed combustion in the engine. This results in reduced engine power and thermal efficiency, with the actual feedback being poorer performance. For vehicles recommended to use higher-grade gasoline, using lower-grade gasoline can cause engine knocking. Due to the significantly lower octane number, the fuel's ignition point decreases, causing premature ignition during the compression stroke. If combustion occurs before the spark plug ignites, resistance will arise during the upward stroke. This resistance makes the engine run very unstably. If the knocking is imperceptible, it only increases noise without obvious damage to the engine. However, noticeable knocking indicates severe engine conditions, affecting not only driving stability but also causing abnormal wear on pistons and cylinders, and in severe cases, cylinder scoring.
Our family has been driving the Changan Oshan X5 for almost two years now. According to the user manual's recommendation, using 92-octane gasoline is perfectly fine. This car's engine compression ratio is well-suited for 92-octane fuel. I mainly use it for daily commuting in the city and have never encountered any issues - it's both worry-free and cost-effective. A friend once suggested trying 95-octane, so I tested it a few times, but noticed minimal difference in power or fuel efficiency while spending more money unnecessarily. The manual clearly states that 92-octane is sufficient, so upgrading isn't necessary. Of course, during occasional long trips or extremely hot weather, switching to 95 might offer slight benefits, but the impact on daily driving is negligible. The key is developing the habit of regularly consulting the manual, as each vehicle's design differs, and using the wrong fuel grade could lead to knocking or other potential issues. Simply put, the Oshan X5 is an economical SUV where 92-octane adequately handles most scenarios - no need to complicate things unnecessarily.
As a budget-conscious car owner, I'm very meticulous when it comes to fuel choices. The Changan Oshan X5 officially recommends using 92-octane gasoline, and I've verified in the manual that it's indeed optimized for regular engines. 92-octane is significantly cheaper, saving dozens of yuan per tank. Compared to 95-octane, which has higher octane rating, it offers no clear advantage in the X5 unless you frequently drive fully loaded at high speeds. I've calculated the costs—consistently using 95-octane would be a waste of money in the long run and might even make the engine overly dependent, which isn't necessarily good. My advice is to prioritize 92-octane and occasionally use fuel additives to clean the injectors and maintain stable performance. Remember, don't blindly follow trends when refueling—base your choice on your vehicle's actual needs to save money while ensuring driving safety.
