Is 95-octane gasoline mandatory for the Lavida 1.4T?

[LaKhloe]

According to the official vehicle manual recommendation, the Lavida 1.4T should use 95-octane gasoline. In addition to checking the suitable gasoline grade in the vehicle manual, the Lavida 1.4T's fuel cap will also indicate the recommended octane rating. Generally, the engine's compression ratio can also determine the appropriate gasoline grade. Vehicles with a compression ratio between 8.6-9.9 should use 92-octane gasoline, while those with a compression ratio between 10.0-11.5 should use 95-octane gasoline. However, with the application of new technologies, the compression ratio alone cannot determine the gasoline grade, as high compression ratios can still be tuned to use lower-octane gasoline. Other factors, such as ignition timing, turbocharging technology, and Atkinson cycle technology, also play a role. Generally, higher-octane gasoline has a higher octane rating and better anti-knock properties. 92-octane gasoline contains 92% isooctane and 8% n-heptane, while 95-octane gasoline contains 95% isooctane and 5% n-heptane. If the Lavida 1.4T occasionally uses the wrong gasoline grade, simply switch back to the correct grade after consumption. However, long-term use of the wrong gasoline grade can have the following effects: Using a higher-octane gasoline in a vehicle designed for lower-octane fuel will not cause damage, but the increased octane rating may alter the fuel's ignition point, leading to delayed combustion in the engine. This reduces the engine's power output and thermal efficiency, resulting in poorer performance. Using a lower-octane gasoline in a vehicle designed for higher-octane fuel can cause engine knocking. The significantly lower octane rating lowers the fuel's ignition point, causing premature ignition during the compression stroke. If combustion occurs before the spark plug fires, resistance is created during the upward stroke. This resistance makes the engine run very unstably. Mild knocking may only increase noise without significant engine damage, but severe knocking indicates serious engine conditions. The vibrations not only affect driving stability but also cause abnormal wear on pistons and cylinders, potentially leading to severe engine damage like cylinder scoring.