Is 97 octane gasoline now 98 octane?

[SanRicardo]

97 octane gasoline is not the same as 98 octane gasoline. More relevant information is as follows: 1. Emissions: This is simply different gasoline grades. 97 octane gasoline still adheres to the National IV emission standards, while 98 octane gasoline generally meets the National V emission standards, offering better anti-knock performance. 2. Gasoline grades: Gasoline grades are differentiated based on the octane number added to the gasoline. The higher the octane number, the better the anti-knock capability and the higher the quality of the gasoline. Currently, most vehicles require unleaded gasoline with an octane rating above 90. High-performance cars like sports cars, with their powerful engines, have high cylinder compression ratios during operation and require gasoline with excellent anti-knock properties. The higher the octane rating, the more suitable it is for engines with high compression ratios. 97 octane gasoline has a lower octane number than 98, so 98 provides better anti-knock performance than 97.

[DeMatthew]

I usually enjoy researching car-related knowledge and have recently noticed changes in gasoline grades. In fact, the former 97-octane gasoline is not the current 98-octane; it was changed to 95-octane after the new national gasoline standard was introduced in 2017. The 98-octane gasoline still exists, with a higher octane rating, making it more suitable for high-performance vehicles like large-displacement turbocharged models. The adjustment was made due to stricter environmental requirements and the standardization of fuel grades. When driving a regular family car, I usually fill up with 92 or 95-octane, following whatever the manual recommends. Don’t assume 98-octane is better—using the wrong grade may lead to incomplete combustion in the engine, wasting money without any benefit. I remember mistakenly trying 98-octane last year, and it barely improved fuel efficiency while costing significantly more. Always check the fuel cap or owner’s manual to confirm the right grade—don’t get them mixed up.

[HavenMarie]

As someone who frequently deals with repair workshops, I'm well-versed in gasoline details. The former 97-octane gasoline is now 95-octane. During the major adjustment in 2017, 93 and 97 were changed to 92 and 95 respectively, while 98-octane remained unchanged. So, 97-octane has no relation to 98-octane. The latter has superior octane ratings and is suitable for specific vehicle models. For daily vehicles, such as most sedans, 95-octane is sufficient. The engine design determines the appropriate grade, and arbitrarily upgrading may lead to incomplete combustion. I've seen cases where owners used 98-octane expecting better performance, only to waste money and cause carbon buildup. Always refer to the manual—don't make assumptions. Simply put, 97 became 95, while 98 stands alone—don't misunderstand. Remembering the new grades can help save on car maintenance costs.

[MacMichael]

Having driven for half a lifetime, I've witnessed significant changes. In the past, gas stations offered 93 and 97 octane fuel, but now they've standardized to 92 and 95, with 98 octane remaining as the premium option. The 97 octane gasoline is equivalent to today's 95 octane, while 98 octane is a separate grade. Since the standard update in 2017, there haven't been many confusing changes. For regular family cars, 95 octane is the most suitable choice—no need to waste money chasing higher grades. When I was younger, I often mixed them up, but later I learned the rules: engine health depends on following the manual's fuel recommendations. 98 octane is more expensive but offers no extra benefits unless you're driving a sports car. In short, 97 octane is today's 95 octane, 98 octane remains unchanged—just choose the right one.