Should MG 6 Use 92 or 95 Octane Gasoline?
3 Answers
According to the official vehicle manual recommendation, MG 6 should use 92 octane gasoline. In addition to checking the appropriate gasoline grade in the vehicle manual, you can also find it marked on the fuel tank cap of MG 6. 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 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 because factors other than compression ratio, 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 MG 6 occasionally uses the wrong gasoline grade, simply switch back to the correct grade after consumption. However, long-term use of the wrong gasoline grade may 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. For vehicles recommended to use higher octane gasoline, using lower octane gasoline may cause engine knocking. Due to the significantly lower octane value, the gasoline's ignition point decreases, causing premature ignition during the compression stroke. If combustion occurs before the spark plug ignites, resistance will arise during the upward stroke. This resistance makes the engine run very unstably. If the knocking is imperceptible, it only increases noise without obvious damage to the engine. However, noticeable knocking indicates severe engine conditions, affecting not only driving stability but also causing abnormal wear on pistons and cylinders, and in severe cases, cylinder scoring.
I've been driving the MG6 for several years and think this issue should first be addressed by referring to the vehicle manual. Generally speaking, the MG6's engine design is quite modern, and it typically recommends using 92-octane gasoline, which is cost-effective and convenient, as 92-octane gas stations are everywhere. If you use 95-octane, the car might feel smoother during acceleration with less vibration, but it's not a necessity. The important thing is not to randomly switch between fuel grades, as this could affect the ignition system. In the short term, it might not matter, but long-term it could lead to unstable engine performance. I usually stick with 92-octane myself, saving money for regular maintenance and checking the fuel system, which is more cost-effective. If you live in an area with poor road conditions, occasionally using 95-octane for a slight performance boost is fine, but choose based on actual needs.
As a cost-conscious car owner, I prioritize using 92-octane gasoline since it's a few cents cheaper per liter, which adds up to significant savings over time. The MG6's engine is quite efficient, and 92-octane is perfectly adequate for daily use—the difference in fuel consumption is minimal, maybe just half a liter per 100 kilometers. Of course, using 95-octane can reduce knocking noise and make highway driving smoother and quieter, but if you're on a tight budget, sticking with 92 is the smarter choice. I believe the key is adjusting based on driving habits—for example, 92 is sufficient for city commuting, while 95 can be used for long trips to prevent unexpected issues. Remember, don’t switch fuel grades just for a perceived 'premium feel,' as it might waste money without noticeable benefits.
