Is it okay to use 92 gasoline regularly and occasionally switch to 98 gasoline?
2 Answers
Under normal circumstances, the gasoline octane rating for a car should follow the instructions provided in the vehicle's user manual. Alternatively, the owner can check the manufacturer's recommended gasoline rating on the inside of the fuel filler cap. If the recommended rating is 92, there is no need to use 98-octane gasoline. Below are some relevant points: 1. 98-octane gasoline: 98-octane gasoline currently has the highest octane rating in China. Although it offers better anti-knock performance and higher power output, vehicles designed for lower-octane gasoline should not blindly switch to higher-octane fuel. Higher-octane gasoline is more suitable for engines with larger compression ratios, while engines designed for 92-octane gasoline usually have smaller compression ratios. Using 98-octane gasoline in such engines may increase knocking. 2. Avoid mixing gasoline grades: Different octane ratings of gasoline should not be mixed. For example, mixing 92 and 98-octane gasoline is not recommended. In special cases, occasional mixing once or twice may not cause issues, but long-term use could negatively affect the engine, potentially leading to carbon buildup, increased fuel consumption, and other issues.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I usually opt for 92-octane gasoline to save money. Occasionally, on a whim, I switch to 98-octane and notice the car runs smoother and more powerfully, with what seems like slightly reduced engine knocking. However, it doesn't significantly lower fuel consumption, so overall, it's still a bit hard on the wallet. If your car's manual recommends 92-octane, mixing in 98-octane occasionally isn't a big issue and won't harm the engine—it just does a better job at cleaning carbon deposits. Remember to stick with the fuel grade suited for your car; don't switch randomly for novelty's sake—once in a while is fine. Engine designs are inherently adaptable to varying octane levels, but frequent switching can introduce unnecessary variables.