Must China VI vehicles only use Sinopec or PetroChina fuel?
2 Answers
There is no such requirement. Any standard gasoline available on the market is acceptable. Fuel requirements for China VI vehicles: 1. Regarding gasoline: China VI vehicles do not require special gasoline; they only need to use the octane rating specified in the vehicle's manual. However, it is advisable to avoid refueling at small gas stations to prevent using lower-quality fuel. 2. Regarding engine oil: When selecting engine oil for China VI vehicles, low-ash oil should be the first choice. This type of oil contains minimal ash content, significantly reducing the risk of particulate filter clogging. Check the oil can packaging for certifications—if present, it can be safely used (always use the oil grade specified in the manual). It is recommended to avoid small gas stations for refueling China VI vehicles, mainly for the following reasons: 1. Unreliable fuel quality: Small gas stations often lack advanced storage and filtration technologies compared to major brands, leading to gasoline with more impurities. These impurities can clog the fuel injection system, causing significant damage to the vehicle. 2. Unknown fuel sources: Small gas stations typically source their fuel from local small-scale refineries, and some may even mix fuel from these refineries with branded gasoline, making it difficult to distinguish genuine from counterfeit. This makes it hard to ensure consistent fuel quality.
I've been driving a China VI vehicle for several years. At first, I also thought I had to choose big brands like Sinopec or PetroChina for refueling, but that's not actually the case. The key is that the fuel must meet the China VI emission standards, such as China VI B, which requires high cleanliness and low pollutants in the fuel. As long as the gasoline provided by the gas station meets the standard, whether it's Sinopec, PetroChina, or other brands like Shell or local regular gas stations, it's fine to use. Sinopec and PetroChina have stable and reliable fuel quality, but it's not a mandatory requirement. Don't be confined by the brand. I've tried fuel from some joint-venture gas stations, which is a bit cheaper, and the engine runs just as smoothly. However, it's important to check the fuel quality certification report to avoid using inferior fuel that could damage the three-way catalytic converter. In the end, saving money and ensuring safety in daily driving are what matter most.