Does Mixing Gasoline Have Any Impact?
2 Answers
"Mixing gasoline does have an impact on vehicles. The octane rating of the fuel should strictly adhere to the manufacturer's specifications for the vehicle; otherwise, it can easily cause damage. If the vehicle explicitly requires 95-octane gasoline, it is best to follow this requirement. Randomly mixing gasoline may lead to insufficient anti-knock performance. While issues may not be noticeable in the short term, prolonged use can affect the engine, lead to carbon buildup, and impact the vehicle's ignition system and the lifespan of the spark plugs. When using a vehicle, try to avoid arbitrarily changing the type of gasoline. Follow the instructions in the manual or the label on the fuel tank to add the correct gasoline. Higher-octane gasoline may be better for the vehicle, but it could also increase the owner's financial burden. Therefore, the best approach is to add the most suitable gasoline as indicated on the fuel tank or in the manual, and avoid mixing gasoline whenever possible."
I often drive to and from work. Once, the gas station only had 92-octane fuel available, while my car usually takes 95-octane. I ended up mixing a bit of both. After that, I noticed the engine sounded louder, acceleration wasn’t as smooth as usual, and I even smelled a bit of gasoline after parking. Actually, mixing different octane ratings can affect combustion efficiency. Engines are designed for specific octane levels, and mixing them may lead to an improper air-fuel ratio, causing carbon buildup or knocking. Over time, this could damage spark plugs or increase fuel consumption. Since then, I try to stick to one type of fuel. Mixing a small amount in emergencies is fine, but it shouldn’t become a habit—after all, your car is your treasure, and proper maintenance saves both hassle and money. Nowadays, gas stations are plentiful, so planning your refueling route in advance can help avoid such headaches.
