Is It Embarrassing for Lynk & Co to Use 95 Octane Gasoline?
3 Answers
According to the official vehicle manual recommendation, Lynk & Co should use 95 octane gasoline. In addition to checking the appropriate gasoline grade in the vehicle manual, Lynk & Co owners can also find this information on the fuel tank cap, which is usually labeled. Typically, the 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 new technologies, the compression ratio alone cannot determine the required gasoline grade. Even high-compression engines can be tuned to use lower-octane gasoline. This is because factors other than compression ratio also play a role, such as ignition timing, turbocharging technology, and Atkinson cycle technology. Generally, the higher the gasoline octane number, the higher the octane value 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 a Lynk & Co vehicle 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: For vehicles recommended to use lower-octane gasoline, accidentally using higher-octane gasoline will not cause damage. However, the increased octane value alters the fuel's ignition point, leading to delayed combustion in the engine. This results in reduced engine power and thermal efficiency, with the practical effect being poorer performance. For vehicles recommended to use higher-octane gasoline, using lower-octane gasoline can cause engine knocking. Due to the significantly lower octane value, the gasoline's ignition point decreases, causing premature ignition 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 makes the engine run very unstably. If the knocking is imperceptible, it only increases noise without obvious damage to the engine. However, noticeable knocking indicates severe engine conditions, affecting not only driving stability but also causing abnormal wear on pistons and cylinders, and in severe cases, cylinder scoring.
I've been driving my Lynk & Co car for several years, always faithfully using 95-octane fuel, and I feel not the slightest bit awkward—in fact, quite proud. My 03 turbocharged engine requires high-octane gasoline to prevent knocking, ensuring smoother performance and robust power. Once, a friend suggested using 92-octane to save money, but when I tried it, the engine noticeably shuddered and nearly caused issues—luckily, I didn't persist for long. Looking back now, following the vehicle manual's recommendations is truly hassle-free: it protects the engine, avoids repairs, and enhances driving pleasure. In many car enthusiast groups, everyone does the same, discussing how to optimize fuel efficiency by upgrading fuel quality. I believe this is a responsible attitude toward your beloved car—long-term, it offers better value for money, far outweighing those minor savings.
As someone who follows automotive technology, I understand that high-performance cars like Lynk & Co are designed to use 95-octane gasoline because its higher octane rating reduces the risk of pre-ignition. Using lower-grade fuel may cause engine wear and shorten its lifespan, leading to higher maintenance costs. From an economic perspective, while 95-octane fuel is slightly more expensive, its marginally lower fuel consumption per 100 kilometers means the overall cost difference is negligible—it might even save some money. I've seen owners who, for the sake of appearances, use lower-grade fuel only to end up with frequent repairs—now that's embarrassing. So, I believe that if you've bought such a car, you should maintain it properly while also considering environmental factors. Efficient combustion reduces emissions, making it a win-win choice overall.
