Is it necessary to use 95-octane gasoline for the Golf?
3 Answers
It is necessary to use 95-octane gasoline for the Golf. 95-octane gasoline consists of 95% isooctane and 5% n-heptane. Gasoline is a volatile, flammable hydrocarbon mixture liquid distilled or cracked from petroleum, used as fuel. Different octane ratings represent different fuel anti-knock properties, with higher octane numbers indicating better anti-knock performance. Taking the 2020 Golf as an example, its body dimensions are: length 4259mm, width 1799mm, height 1476mm, wheelbase 2637mm, fuel tank capacity 50 liters, and trunk capacity 380 liters.
I've been driving a Golf for five years. Initially, I followed the manual and used 95-octane gasoline, which felt powerful and kept the engine quiet. Later, due to financial constraints, I tried 92-octane and found little difference for daily city driving, with no issues in acceleration. However, in the long run, high-octane gasoline prevents knocking, especially important for Golf's high-compression engines prone to problems. The small savings might lead to higher repair costs. I recommend new car owners stick to 95-octane as the manual suggests—there's a reason for it. For older cars or short trips, 92-octane might be acceptable, but for safety, it's better not to take risks since engine maintenance isn't cheap.
As a budget-conscious car owner, I drive a Golf to commute and keep track of every liter of fuel. Since 95-octane is significantly more expensive than 92-octane, costing me hundreds more each month, I switched to 92-octane. Over a year later, there's been no noticeable impact—the engine runs smoothly, and I've saved on maintenance costs. The Golf was designed to accommodate different octane levels, and for regular driving, 92-octane is sufficient. Unless you're racing, there's no need to waste money. While 95-octane does offer performance advantages, for daily commuters like me, 92-octane is more economical, freeing up funds for other expenses.
