Should Cadillac ATSL Use 92 or 95 Octane Gasoline?
2 Answers
Cadillac ATSL should use 95 octane gasoline as the manufacturer requires this fuel grade. Definition of 95 Octane Gasoline: 95 octane gasoline consists of 95% isooctane and 5% n-heptane. High-compression engines can also use lower octane fuel, but one should not blindly choose gasoline based on compression ratio. Instead, follow the manufacturer's recommended fuel grade. Difference Between 95 and 92 Octane Gasoline: The primary difference lies in the octane rating—there is no essential distinction otherwise. 95 octane gasoline is composed of 5% n-heptane and 95% isooctane, while 92 octane gasoline consists of 8% n-heptane and 92% isooctane. 95 octane gasoline has a higher octane rating than 92 octane, making it more stable and easier to burn, resulting in greater power output compared to 92 octane.
I previously drove a Cadillac ATSL for 80,000 kilometers, and both the manufacturer's manual and fuel cap indicated a minimum requirement of 95 octane. The 2.0T engine has a high compression ratio, and using 95 octane allows the turbocharger to better unleash its 279 horsepower. Once, at a remote gas station, I had no choice but to use 92 octane, and I immediately noticed engine knocking sounds like metal clanging during acceleration, along with a fuel consumption increase of over 1 liter. Long-term use of 92 octane can cause frequent intervention from the knock sensor, with the ECU retarding ignition timing to protect the engine, but this results in reduced power and potential carbon buildup. It's advisable not to skimp on the price difference—maintenance for this car isn't cheap to begin with.
