Is it okay to use higher-grade gasoline in a low-end car?

3 Answers
AnastasiaRose
07/29/25 5:31am
It is not recommended to use higher-grade gasoline; just follow the manufacturer's recommendation. The reasons are as follows: 1. Explanation of gasoline grades: The octane number of gasoline represents its anti-knock performance, but higher is not necessarily better. Car owners should choose gasoline with the appropriate octane number based on the engine compression ratio specified in the vehicle's manual. Using gasoline with a lower octane number than recommended can lead to increased cylinder temperature, incomplete combustion, reduced power output, engine knocking, and even damage to the vehicle's ignition system. Conversely, blindly choosing gasoline with an excessively high octane number can alter the ignition timing, cause carbon buildup in the cylinders, and, over time, affect the engine's lifespan. 2. Gasoline grade and compression ratio: The commonly referred-to 90, 93, and 97 octane numbers represent the ratio of the actual gasoline's anti-knock performance to that of standard gasoline. If a high-compression-ratio engine uses low-octane gasoline, it can cause knocking, accelerate component aging, and lead to frequent malfunctions.
Was this review help?
7
2
Share
LolaAnn
08/12/25 7:36pm
I find this question quite interesting because I often research automotive engine knowledge. Simply put, low-end cars using higher-octane gasoline is usually feasible and won't directly damage the vehicle, but it's truly unnecessary to waste money. Engine designs already account for specific compression ratios - those economy cars perform perfectly fine with regular 87-octane fuel. Switching to premium 91 or 93 octane brings no real benefits. High-octane gasoline primarily prevents knocking in high-performance engines, whereas low-end vehicles with lower compression ratios will simply have their engine computers automatically adjust, yielding no performance gains or fuel efficiency improvements. Prolonged use may even lead to carbon buildup affecting combustion efficiency. I recommend checking your owner's manual and using the recommended fuel grade - this saves money while ensuring optimal engine operation. If it's just for psychological comfort, occasional use is fine, but don't make it a habit.
Was this review help?
13
3
Share
Expand All
StMicah
10/03/25 6:50am
From a cost-saving perspective, using higher-octane gasoline in low-end cars is completely unnecessary. After years of driving, I've found that higher-octane fuel costs an extra one or two yuan per liter, adding up to over ten or twenty yuan for a full tank. Yet, for my old Santana, it makes no difference at all. The engine performs the same—no faster acceleration, no reduced fuel consumption. It's better to save that money for higher-quality engine oil. Low-end car engines are designed simply, and high-octane gasoline may not burn completely, leaving residue that affects long-term performance. I usually advise friends to first check the recommended octane rating on the fuel cap—87 is usually sufficient. If they really want a slight performance boost, regular maintenance like cleaning the throttle body is far more cost-effective. In short, spend money where it counts, not on things that don’t make a difference.
Was this review help?
20
0
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

How to Start as a Used Car Broker for Beginners?

You need to be able to identify whether it's an accident-involved vehicle, as such cars are tricky in the current market—handling them poorly could lead to losses. At the very least, you should be able to inspect the car's condition by looking, smelling, and listening. Sellers will naturally first inquire about the price of their car from the broker. At this point, the broker should absolutely avoid rushing to lower the price.
4
1
Share

How should motor vehicles temporarily park on the roadside?

When parking a car, it should be placed in a compliant, convenient, and safe location, following certain procedures to ensure safety. If the car is to be parked for an extended period, it is best to park it in an indoor garage. If parked outdoors, it is advisable to cover the car with a dedicated car cover to protect the paintwork from damage.
1
2
Share

How to reset the tire pressure light on the Roewe 550?

Step on the car's brake pedal to prepare for starting the engine. Press the car's one-button start to ignite the engine. All dashboard lights will illuminate, confirming that the vehicle's electronic systems are powered. Inflate all four tires to ensure they have identical tire pressure. Finally, press the tire pressure control button to reset. Use the left adjustment wheel to locate the reset button, select the tire pressure option that appears, and choose to reset.
12
0
Share

What to do if the driver's license review is overdue?

"Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form", which needs to be signed by the applicant; the motor vehicle driver's license and the relevant documents of the vehicle owner; the identity proof of the motor vehicle driver. A medical certificate issued by a county-level or above medical institution or a military medical institution at or above the regiment level. The photo requirements for the motor vehicle driver are: a straight-edged, front-facing, full-color, single-person half-length ID photo taken within 6 months before applying for the motor vehicle driver's license.
7
2
Share

How to Drive on a Highway with Only 2 Lanes?

Before entering the highway, the car owner must go to a repair shop or 4S store to check whether the vehicle's condition is normal and whether the tire pressure is normal. The speed should not be too fast, but also not too slow, because there are maximum and minimum speed limits on the highway, and you cannot change lanes back and forth. You cannot always drive on the left side, because the left lane is for overtaking and cannot be used continuously; it should only be used when overtaking.
17
3
Share

Where is the Altima air-fuel ratio sensor 1b1 located?

The Altima air-fuel ratio sensor 1b1 is located above the three-way catalytic converter, with the V6 engine B1 air-fuel ratio sensor positioned on the left side. Since the three-way catalyst's purification capacity for CO, HC, and NOx drops sharply once the air-fuel ratio of the mixture deviates from the theoretical value, an oxygen sensor is installed in the exhaust pipe to detect the oxygen concentration in the exhaust. It then sends feedback signals to the ECU, which in turn adjusts the fuel injection volume from the injectors, thereby maintaining the air-fuel ratio of the mixture near the theoretical value.
16
1
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.