Is it okay to occasionally use 92 octane gasoline?

[EstherFitz]

Using 92 octane gasoline occasionally in a car that normally requires 95 or 98 octane won't cause significant issues. However, prolonged use of the wrong fuel can lead to insufficient anti-knock performance, increased engine failure rates, higher fuel consumption, more carbon deposits, and clogged fuel injectors. Reason Analysis: Generally, you should use the fuel grade specified on the fuel filler cap of your vehicle or a higher grade, but it's not recommended to use a lower grade. For example, a car designed for 92 octane can use 95 octane, but a car designed for 95 octane should not use 92 octane. The main difference between various gasoline grades lies in their anti-knock performance, which is a crucial indicator of fuel quality. 92 octane gasoline has an octane rating of 92 and is suitable for mid-range vehicles (with lower compression ratios). 95 octane gasoline consists of 95% isooctane and 5% n-heptane and should be used in engines with higher compression ratios. 98 octane gasoline has an octane rating equivalent to a mixture of 98% isooctane and 2% n-heptane. Its advantages are "two highs and two lows": higher anti-knock performance and power output, along with lower harmful substances and exhaust emissions. Long-term Effects of Using the Wrong Gasoline Grade: Using a higher octane fuel in a vehicle designed for lower octane won't 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. Conversely, using lower octane fuel in a high-octane vehicle can cause engine knocking, increased resistance during the power stroke, abnormal wear on pistons and cylinders, and in severe cases, cylinder scoring.