How to Determine the Right Gasoline Grade for Your Car?
3 Answers
Here is a detailed introduction on how to check the gasoline grade: Owner's Manual: Refer to the car's owner's manual, which records the recommended gasoline grade for your vehicle. Fuel Tank Label: The fuel tank cap will indicate the fuel grade, recommending which gasoline grade is best for your car. Here is some extended information about gasoline: Gasoline Grades: Currently, there are three gasoline grades in China: 90, 93, and 97. The gasoline grades are classified by octane rating. Gasoline Selection: If a high-compression engine uses a low-grade gasoline, it can cause a sharp rise in cylinder temperature, incomplete combustion, severe engine vibration, resulting in reduced power output, damaged components, increased fuel consumption, and poor driving performance. If a low-compression engine uses high-grade gasoline, it may lead to delayed combustion, meaning the fuel does not reach the auto-ignition point at the maximum compression ratio, resulting in incomplete combustion.
When I first bought my car, I often forgot about this too. Now I’ve gotten used to checking the owner’s manual directly. Before each refueling, I flip through it—the manual is usually tucked in the glove compartment, with a dedicated fuel section clearly stating the recommended octane rating, like 92 or 95. There’s also often a small sticker on the inside of the fuel filler cap; just pop it open for a quick reminder, which is faster than flipping through the manual. The gasoline octane rating mainly reflects the level of octane value, and different car designs require different grades. Using the wrong one might cause engine knocking, which sounds like a tapping noise, and over time, it can accelerate wear or increase fuel consumption. If you really can’t find the info, snap a photo of your car key or the vehicle’s nameplate and ask the 4S shop technician—they can quickly look up the model details. Regularly check the label on your fuel cap while driving to ensure it’s not obscured by grime—safety first.
After driving for over a decade, I've figured out the trick: most cars have a label directly on the inside of the fuel tank cap telling you what grade of gasoline to use—just unscrew the cap to see it. The manual is kept in the glove compartment as a backup, but it's too thick and easy to miss. Gasoline octane rating is no small matter—higher octane prevents engine knocking. Occasionally using a lower grade once won't hurt, as the engine computer will adjust automatically, but doing it repeatedly can cause carbon buildup or damage parts, leading to costly repairs. Sticking to the manufacturer's recommended grade is the most cost-effective and fuel-efficient. When unsure, make it a habit to glance at the cap or manual before heading to the gas station.
