Is it better to use 92 or 95 octane gasoline for Santana?
3 Answers
According to the official vehicle manual recommendation, Santana should use 92 octane gasoline. In addition to checking the suitable gasoline grade in the vehicle manual, Santana owners can also find this information on the fuel tank cap, which will be clearly marked. Generally, the appropriate gasoline grade can also be determined based on the engine's compression ratio. Vehicles with an engine 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 some new technologies nowadays, the compression ratio alone cannot determine the gasoline grade to use. Even engines with high compression ratios can be tuned to use lower-grade gasoline. This is because, apart from the compression ratio, other factors such as ignition timing, turbocharging technology, and Atkinson cycle technology also play a role. Generally, the higher the gasoline grade, the higher the octane number and the better the anti-knock performance. 92 octane gasoline contains 92% isooctane and 8% n-heptane, while 95 octane gasoline contains 95% isooctane and 5% n-heptane. If Santana occasionally uses the wrong gasoline grade, simply switch back to the correct grade after the current tank is used up. However, long-term use of the wrong gasoline grade can have the following effects: For vehicles recommended to use lower-grade gasoline, using higher-grade gasoline will not cause damage, but the increase in octane number will change the fuel's ignition point, leading to delayed combustion in the engine. This means both the engine's power output and thermal efficiency will decrease, resulting in poorer performance in practice. For vehicles recommended to use higher-grade gasoline, using lower-grade gasoline can cause engine knocking. Because the octane number is significantly lower, the gasoline's ignition point decreases, causing it to ignite prematurely during the compression stroke. If combustion occurs before the spark plug ignites during the compression stroke, resistance will arise during the upward stroke. This resistance will make the engine run very unstably. If the knocking is imperceptible, it will only increase noise without obvious damage to the engine. However, if the knocking is noticeable, it indicates severe engine conditions. The vibration not only affects driving stability but can also cause abnormal wear on the pistons and cylinders, and in severe cases, even cylinder scoring.
I've been driving a Santana for five or six years and found that refueling really has its nuances. At first, I casually used 92-octane gas to save money, since it's cheaper per liter than 95-octane. But over time, I noticed the difference: with 95-octane, the engine responds more sharply, idles quieter, and accelerates smoother. On hot summer days with 92-octane, the engine occasionally shakes, but switching to 95 keeps it steady. Checking the manual, it recommends 95-octane—I understand its higher octane rating prevents knocking, and the Santana's engine is designed for it. Fuel consumption is slightly better with 95, so long-term costs are similar. I suggest prioritizing 95, especially for city driving, where protecting the car for a decade is key. In rural areas with fewer gas stations, 92 can work in a pinch. A car, like a person, runs healthier with better fuel.
As a long-time Santana owner, I often think about ways to save money on driving. The affordable price of 92-octane gasoline can save me dozens of yuan per tank, making it especially cost-effective for daily commuting and short trips. I've used 92-octane many times with basically no major issues—the car runs just fine, as long as I'm not in a hurry to climb steep hills. Fuel consumption is slightly higher with 92-octane, but the added cost spread over weekly expenses isn't significant. The key is choosing a reliable gas station with clean fuel quality. The money I save goes toward tire maintenance—the Santana is tough, and 92-octane is sufficient. Of course, 95-octane offers more stable performance, but when my budget is tight, 92-octane is my go-to. Overall, for economical drivers, 92-octane works just fine—no need to worry about engine problems.
