Should BYD Song Use 92 or 95 Octane Gasoline?
2 Answers
According to the official vehicle user manual recommendation, the BYD Song should use 92 octane gasoline. In addition to checking the appropriate gasoline grade in the vehicle user manual, you can also find it on the fuel tank cap, which will be clearly marked. Typically, the gasoline grade can also be determined based on the engine's compression ratio. Vehicles with an engine compression ratio between 8.6-9.9 should use 92 octane gasoline, while those with a compression ratio between 10.0-11.5 should use 95 octane gasoline. However, with the application of some new technologies, the gasoline grade cannot be solely determined by the compression ratio. Even engines with high compression ratios can be tuned to use lower octane gasoline. This is because, apart from the compression ratio, other factors such as ignition timing, turbocharging technology, and Atkinson cycle technology also play a role. Generally, the higher the gasoline octane number, the higher the octane value and the better the anti-knock performance. 92 octane gasoline contains 92% isooctane and 8% n-heptane, while 95 octane gasoline contains 95% isooctane and 5% n-heptane. If the BYD Song occasionally uses the wrong gasoline grade, simply switch back to the correct grade after consumption. However, long-term use of the wrong gasoline grade can have the following effects: For vehicles recommended to use lower octane gasoline, using higher octane gasoline will not cause damage, but the increase in octane value will alter the fuel's ignition point, leading to delayed combustion in the engine. This means both the engine's power output and thermal efficiency will decrease, resulting in poorer performance in practice. For vehicles recommended to use higher octane gasoline, using lower octane gasoline can cause engine knocking. Because the octane value is significantly lower, the reduced ignition point of the gasoline may cause premature ignition during the compression stroke. If the fuel ignites before the spark plug fires during the compression stroke, resistance will occur during the upward stroke. This resistance can make the engine run very unstably. If the knocking is imperceptible, it may only increase noise without obvious damage to the engine. However, if noticeable knocking occurs, it indicates severe engine conditions, affecting not only driving stability but also causing abnormal wear on pistons and cylinders, and in severe cases, cylinder scoring.
Regarding the fuel issue for the BYD Song, I've been driving this car for a long time. The manufacturer generally recommends using 95-octane gasoline because of its high compression ratio design. Using 95-octane helps prevent knocking and protects the engine's lifespan. However, I suggest checking the user manual for the most reliable information, as recommendations may vary for different model years. I've seen some people opt for 92-octane to save money, which may not cause immediate issues, but long-term use could lead to increased fuel consumption and greater engine vibration. For the sake of your car's health, spending a bit more is worth it. Think of it this way: the savings on fuel aren't significant, but repair costs can be much higher. Proper maintenance ensures the car lasts longer and improves the driving experience.
