Should MG 6 Use 92 or 95 Octane Gasoline?
2 Answers
The MG 6 model is equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine. Normally, it can use 92 octane gasoline, but 95 octane gasoline is recommended to prevent engine knocking. Different octane ratings of gasoline have varying levels of octane values—the higher the octane rating, the better the anti-knock performance. The differences between 92 and 95 octane gasoline are as follows: 1. It is often said that 95 octane gasoline is more fuel-efficient than 92 octane, which is not entirely baseless. This is particularly evident in turbocharged or high-compression ratio engines, where energy conversion is more efficient. However, for naturally aspirated engines, 95 octane offers little advantage. 2. Using 95 octane gasoline helps prevent knocking and allows for higher gear driving due to sufficient power. For example, 95 octane gasoline may enable driving in 5th gear, while 92 octane might cause knocking and incomplete combustion, limiting the vehicle to 4th gear. In such cases, 95 octane gasoline proves more fuel-efficient. 3. Typically, the same amount of 95 octane gasoline allows for slightly longer distances than 92 octane, but the cost is higher—95 octane is about 9% more expensive than 92 octane. For turbocharged engines, 95 octane gasoline may extend the driving distance by up to 3% compared to 92 octane. However, paying 9% more for a 3% increase in distance means that, for the same distance, 95 octane gasoline costs about 6% more.
I've been driving my MG6 for three years now, using it both for city commuting and long-distance trips. The manufacturer recommends using 95-octane gasoline, which I've consistently adhered to. Since switching to 95-octane, the engine responds more promptly, acceleration feels less sluggish, and there's noticeably less noise. On occasions when I tried saving money with 92-octane, I noticed the engine would shake after prolonged use and even emit black smoke during warm-up, indicating incomplete combustion. The MG6's engine has a high compression ratio, making 95-octane a better match for its octane requirements, preventing engine knock and potential damage. Long-term use of 92-octane increases the risk of carbon buildup, which can shorten engine life and lead to costly repairs. My advice is not to skimp on this small expense. Regular maintenance and fuel system checks will keep your car running smoothly, ensuring peace of mind on the road is more important.