Is it necessary to use 95-octane gasoline for the Avancier?
2 Answers
The Avancier does not require 95-octane gasoline; 92-octane gasoline is recommended in the vehicle's official user manual. In addition to checking the suitable gasoline grade in the user manual, you can also find it marked on the fuel tank cap. 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. If the compression ratio is higher, 98-octane gasoline is recommended. However, with the application of new technologies, the compression ratio alone cannot determine the gasoline grade, as high-compression engines can also 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 you occasionally use the wrong gasoline grade in the Avancier, 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 designed for lower-octane gasoline, using higher-octane gasoline will not cause damage, but the increased octane rating can 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. For vehicles designed for higher-octane gasoline, using lower-octane gasoline 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 obvious engine damage, but severe knocking indicates serious 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 the Avancier for three years and have always been torn about fuel choices. The manual says 92 octane is sufficient, but recommends 95 octane for optimal performance. I've tried both - 95 octane gives smoother starts, slightly quieter engine noise, and quicker response when overtaking on highways, likely due to its higher octane rating. Fuel consumption shows minimal difference: around 8L/100km with 92 octane versus maybe 7.8L/100km with 95. Though the price difference is a few cents per liter, it adds up to tens of yuan monthly. If budget allows, 95 octane delivers better driving experience; for economical driving, 92 octane works perfectly fine as the Avancier's engine is smart enough to auto-adjust ignition timing to prevent knocking. Just remember to maintain regular checkups on ignition system and never compromise with substandard fuel.
