How many types of gasoline are there and what are their differences?

[LeGideon]

Gasoline can be classified into several types based on their grades, mainly including 90, 93, 92, 97, and 98. The primary difference lies in their application areas. Regular cars typically use 90 and 93 gasoline, while high-end sports cars and luxury vehicles mostly use 97 and 98. Below are the differences between 92 and 98 gasoline: 1. Applicable compression ratio: Cars with a compression ratio between 8.5 and 9.5 use 92 gasoline; cars with a compression ratio greater than 9.8 use 98 gasoline. 2. Octane rating: 92 gasoline has a lower octane rating than 98 gasoline, meaning 92 gasoline contains 92% isooctane, while 98 gasoline contains 98% isooctane.

[OBenjamin]

Gasoline mainly comes in three types: 92, 95, and 98. The key difference lies in the octane rating, which indicates anti-knock performance. 98 has the highest octane rating, ensuring the smoothest engine operation, making it essential for high-compression luxury cars. 95 is a balanced choice, suitable for most turbocharged vehicles. 92 is the most economical option and works perfectly fine for older naturally aspirated cars. A word of caution: never switch grades arbitrarily! Using the wrong fuel can cause minor issues like engine knocking or even trigger warning lights in severe cases. Last time, my friend filled his Fit with 98—not only did the power fail to improve, but fuel consumption also skyrocketed, proving it completely unnecessary. The safest bet is to check the manufacturer’s recommended grade on the fuel filler cap.

[LeGeorge]

When refueling, you'll notice significant price differences between gasoline grades, which essentially reflect variations in anti-knock performance. The cheaper 92-octane fuel is prone to premature ignition but suits older vehicles like the Santana with lower compression ratios. 95-octane has become the mainstream choice today, working particularly well with electronic fuel injection systems. 98-octane is like the VIP of gasoline – luxury cars respond with noticeably smoother throttle inputs. Interestingly, some gas stations even stock 100-octane racing fuel, exclusively used by seasoned car modifiers. A lesser-known fact: different brands use distinct additive formulas even for the same octane rating – Shell's cleaning additives are particularly renowned. Always check the labeling when refueling, as mixing different grades might upset your engine's performance.

[BriannaLynn]

The difference between gasoline grades is like choosing coffee sizes—medium, large, and extra-large. 92 octane is the basic option with a lower knock threshold but cheaper. 95 octane is the golden ratio, suitable for 90% of family cars. 98 octane is the premium version in the gasoline world, burning more completely with less carbon buildup. As for gas station slogans claiming power boosts, take them with a grain of salt—I tested the same car with 95 and 98 octane, and the 0-100 km/h acceleration difference was just 0.3 seconds. A key point is ethanol-blended gasoline (marked with an E), common in northern regions with 10% ethanol mix—lower heat value, more eco-friendly, but about 5% higher fuel consumption. Now, China's VI-B standard gasoline also includes detergents, which are quite friendly to direct-injection engine fuel injectors.

[DelAubree]

When choosing gasoline, focus on two key indicators: octane rating and cleanliness. 92-octane has the lowest rating and is suitable for older cars with compression ratios below 9.5:1. 95-octane is better suited for today's mainstream engines with 10:1 compression ratios. 98-octane is designed for high-compression beasts like supercars. Some gas stations even offer 100-octane racing fuel, which is only needed for track days. Let's debunk a common misconception: higher octane doesn't mean cleaner fuel! All gasoline must meet national cleanliness standards. Always keep your receipt after refueling - it's your proof if you encounter fuel quality issues. Particularly with ethanol-blended gasoline, which has a shelf life of just one month, so be cautious with vehicles that sit idle for extended periods.

[OHailey]

The common three grades of gasoline essentially differ in their blending formulas. The 92-octane is basic but sufficient, suitable for durable models like the Jetta. The 95-octane contains more isooctane, providing better anti-knock performance. The 98-octane includes additional metal anti-knock additives, which are essential for precision engines like the BMW B48. Refueling tip: Turbocharged vehicles should ideally use 95-octane or higher, especially in summer when high temperatures increase the risk of knocking. Ethanol-blended gasoline is more prevalent in northern regions; its advantage is cleaner emissions, but it may corrode rubber components in older cars. The newly introduced China VI-B gasoline contains more detergents, which is beneficial for direct-injection engines. Using a bottle of fuel additive every 5,000 kilometers can provide extra peace of mind.