Is Higher Octane Gasoline Better?
2 Answers
Higher octane gasoline is not necessarily better. The octane rating of gasoline is not related to its purity or quality. The octane rating indicates the gasoline's octane number, which represents its anti-knock properties. The higher the octane rating, the slower the gasoline burns, making it less prone to knocking and more suitable for engines with higher compression ratios. Conversely, lower octane gasoline is suitable for engines with lower compression ratios. When choosing gasoline, car owners should follow the manufacturer's recommended octane rating and consider the engine's compression ratio. If the car requires 92 octane gasoline but 95 octane is used, the high anti-knock advantage of 95 octane gasoline will not be utilized effectively, leading to delayed combustion. This can result in incomplete combustion, causing pollution and waste.
I see many friends misunderstand this issue. The gasoline grade is not about quality, but indicates the octane rating. Simply put, it represents different anti-knock capabilities. High-grade gasoline like 95# and 98# is more suitable for cars with high compression ratio engines. For ordinary family cars, 92# is actually sufficient. I've seen many people think higher grades are better for their cars and insist on using 98# for regular engines, which may instead lead to incomplete combustion and increased carbon deposits. The most accurate way to know what fuel to use for your car is to check the label on the fuel filler cap - manufacturers have clearly indicated it. When it comes to refueling, more expensive doesn't mean better; what suits your car is what matters most.
