
There is 97 octane gasoline. Here are the specific details about 97 octane gasoline: 1. Introduction: 97 octane gasoline is a type of gasoline with an octane rating of 97, which means it has the same anti-knock properties as standard gasoline containing 97% isooctane and 3% n-heptane. Engines with high compression ratios should use high-octane gasoline. If a high-compression engine uses low-octane gasoline, it can lead to abnormal combustion, causing knocking, increased fuel consumption, and loss of power. 2. Standards: The country has strict standards for automotive gasoline. These standards not only require gasoline to have a certain octane rating (commonly known as the gasoline grade) but also impose strict regulations on the content of various chemical components in gasoline. If the olefin content is too high, the gasoline may not burn completely, producing a gummy substance that accumulates in the intake manifold and valve guides. When the engine is at normal operating temperature, there are no abnormalities, but after the engine is turned off and cools down for a while, these deposits can stick the valves in the valve guides. Starting the engine in this condition can cause valve sticking issues.

I've noticed some places still use 97 octane gasoline, but honestly, it's not very common these days. As a veteran driver with years of experience, I recall that in China's earlier years, 92, 95, and 97 were the standard ratings. However, after the gasoline upgrade around 2018, they were replaced with 89, 92, 95, and 98, and 97 octane basically disappeared. That said, some older gas stations in certain regions might still display 97 octane signs, or similar ratings might be available in Middle Eastern countries. The higher the octane number, the better the engine's anti-knock performance. 97 octane represents a medium level and is suitable for vehicles with lower compression ratios without issues. But most new cars recommend using 95 or 98 octane, making 97 somewhat outdated. If your car's manual specifies 97 octane, don't worry—you can substitute it with 98 octane with minimal impact. To save money, just check the local gas station listings to confirm availability.

Gasoline octane ratings vary widely across countries. During my travels abroad, I've noticed that the U.S. uses 87, 89, and 91, Europe predominantly has 95 and 98, while Asian countries like China now mainly use 92, 95, and 98. The 97 octane fuel is still available in some regions like the Middle East or older markets, but the global trend is shifting towards higher octane and more environmentally friendly fuels. An octane rating of 97 indicates its anti-knock performance is at 97 points—the higher the number, the more suitable it is for high-performance engines. If you happen to find 97 octane in remote areas, it's fine to try it, but avoid using the wrong grade long-term to prevent engine knocking and damage. By the way, China's new standards are increasingly favoring 98 octane, making things simpler.

The gasoline octane rating represents the octane number, with 97 RON indicating an anti-knock index around 97. Higher values mean more stable fuel quality and reduced engine knocking. Nowadays, most gas stations in China promote 98-octane fuel, while 97-octane has become rare, though it existed historically. Vehicles with high compression ratios are recommended to use 98-octane; 97 was merely a transitional product. Don’t blindly trust the numbers—safety comes first.

Using 97-octane gasoline is fine, but first check what octane rating your car manual recommends. Currently, the mainstream options in China are 92, 95, and 98, with 97 only available as stock fuel in some regions. Higher octane offers many benefits, reducing engine knock risks, especially for smoother long-distance driving. If 97 is unavailable, switch to 98—it won’t cause issues. Maintain your car by refueling regularly, avoid mixing different octane fuels, and keep it running cleanly and efficiently. Also, keep an eye on at new gas stations.

The discussion on gasoline grades is quite interesting. The 97-octane was common in the era of older cars, with an octane rating around 97, but China has now upgraded to the 89, 92, 95, and 98 series. The 97-octane hasn't completely disappeared; it might still be available at remote stations. The key to choosing fuel is matching the engine's requirements—high compression ratio vehicles are recommended to use 98-octane as a replacement for 97. Additionally, expanding on this, ethanol-blended gasoline like E10 also affects performance, so don't overlook the environmental trends. It's safer to check the local fuel grades before refueling.


