How many types of gasoline are available in China?
4 Answers
In China, gasoline models include China IV with 90#, 93#, and 97#, and China V with 89#, 92#, 95#, and 98#. Below is relevant information about gasoline models: 1. Gasoline grades: The gasoline grade refers to the ratio of the actual gasoline's anti-knock performance to that of standard gasoline. The higher the grade, the stronger the anti-knock performance. Standard gasoline is composed of isooctane and n-heptane. Higher grades are not necessarily better; the appropriate gasoline grade should be selected based on the engine's compression ratio. In December 2011, Beijing proposed changing the gasoline grades from "90#, 93#, 97#" to "89#, 92#, 95#" and stipulated that the sulfur content should not exceed 0.001%. 2. Gasoline composition: Gasoline appears as a transparent, flammable liquid with a distillation range of 30°C to 220°C. Its main components are C5–C12 aliphatic hydrocarbons and cycloalkanes, along with a certain amount of aromatic hydrocarbons. Gasoline has a high octane number (anti-knock combustion performance) and is classified into grades such as 90#, 93#, 95#, and 97# based on the octane number. Gasoline is produced by refining various gasoline components obtained from petroleum refining, such as straight-run gasoline, catalytic cracking gasoline, and catalytic reforming gasoline, and blending them with high-octane components. It is primarily used as fuel for spark-ignition internal combustion engines in automobiles.
I've been driving for many years, and there are mainly three common gasoline grades in China: 92, 95, and 98. The 92-octane fuel is the cheapest and suitable for ordinary economy cars. I often choose it for my family car. The 95-octane fuel performs better and is recommended for most sedans, as it makes the engine run more smoothly. The 98-octane fuel is much more expensive and is used in high-end cars or sports cars to enhance acceleration. Nowadays, gasoline grades are clearly marked at gas stations. When choosing, it's important to check your car's manual and avoid mixing them randomly, as it may damage the engine or increase fuel consumption. Some places also offer 89-octane or ethanol-blended fuels (like E10), but they are less common—I've only seen them once at a highway service station. Gasoline prices fluctuate a lot, so I regularly check local prices to choose the most cost-effective grade and save on household expenses. In cold winters, fuel efficiency drops slightly, but there's no need to change the grade. Gas station attendants often remind customers not to fill up the tank completely to reduce waste.
From a technical perspective, gasoline grades in China are classified based on octane ratings, with common standards being 92, 95, and 98. Higher octane numbers indicate better anti-knock performance. For instance, 98-octane fuel is suitable for high-performance vehicles with high compression ratios to prevent knocking, while 92-octane is more economical for vehicles with lower compression ratios. These three grades are the most commonly used, though some northern regions may offer lower-grade fuels like 89-octane during winter for better cold-weather performance. When refueling, I prioritize the reliability of the gas station, as major brands typically have fewer impurities, which helps protect the vehicle's electronic systems. Diesel fuels have different classifications (e.g., 0 or -10 for low temperatures), but gasoline grades are relatively straightforward to choose. Using the wrong grade can lead to carbon buildup or damage to the catalytic converter, outweighing any short-term savings, so it's important to choose wisely. New car owners can seek advice from experienced drivers to avoid pitfalls. Environmentally, some new low-carbon fuels are slow to gain traction but offer long-term benefits. Overall, it's best to use fuel as needed.
As a practical person, I mainly consider three fuel grades when refueling: 92 (economy), 95 (mid-range), and 98 (high-performance). The cheaper 92-octane works fine for daily cars, saving dozens per fill; 95 offers better balance for most sedans; while premium 98 is excellent but too luxurious for my regular use. The grade variations stem from octane differences to match engine requirements, with China's straightforward labeling system. I choose reputable gas stations to avoid substandard fuel and always verify pump labels. Occasionally hear about ethanol blends reducing emissions but rarely see them locally. Few enough options to remember easily—key is never compromising vehicle safety for small savings.
