Should Skoda Use 95 or 92 Octane Gasoline?
3 Answers
According to the official vehicle manual recommendations, most Skoda models should use 92 octane gasoline. However, specific models like the Octavia-2022-PRO, Superb 2022-TSI280, TSI330, Karoq-2022-TSI280, Kodiaq-2022-TSI330 series, and Kodiaq GT-2022-TSI330 series should use 95 octane gasoline. In addition to checking the appropriate gasoline grade in the vehicle manual, Skoda owners can also find this information on the fuel tank cap, which typically indicates the recommended octane rating. Generally, the gasoline grade can also be determined based on the engine's compression ratio. Vehicles with a 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 compression ratio alone cannot determine the gasoline grade, as high-compression engines can also be tuned to use lower-octane gasoline. Other factors, such as ignition timing, turbocharging technology, and Atkinson cycle technology, also play a role. Generally, higher-octane gasoline has a higher octane rating and better anti-knock properties. 92 octane gasoline contains 92% isooctane and 8% n-heptane, while 95 octane gasoline contains 95% isooctane and 5% n-heptane. If a Skoda occasionally uses the wrong gasoline grade, simply switching back to the correct grade after consumption is sufficient. 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 increased octane rating can alter the fuel's ignition point, leading to delayed combustion in the engine. This reduces the engine's power output and thermal efficiency, resulting in poorer performance. For vehicles recommended to use higher-octane gasoline, using lower-octane gasoline can cause engine knocking. Since the octane rating is significantly lower, the gasoline's ignition point decreases, causing premature ignition during the compression stroke. If combustion occurs before the spark plug fires, resistance is generated during the upward stroke. This resistance makes the engine run very unstably. Mild knocking may only increase noise without significant engine damage, but severe knocking indicates serious engine issues, affecting not only driving stability but also causing abnormal wear on pistons and cylinders, potentially leading to cylinder scoring in extreme cases.
I've been driving Skoda cars for many years and have tried several types of gasoline. I find that using 95 octane is usually more suitable. The engine runs smoother, accelerates faster, and has less knocking sound, especially feeling more powerful on the highway. Of course, using 92 octane can save some money, but the power will be slightly weaker, and long-term use may lead to carbon buildup or higher fuel consumption. Checking the manual is crucial—most Skoda models like the Octavia recommend 95 octane, so don't switch casually. If the budget is tight, occasionally using 92 octane is fine, but for the sake of the car, I often prefer 95 octane. During maintenance, the technician also said that higher octane fuel can protect the engine and extend its lifespan.
I'm usually quite budget-conscious, so I opt for 92-octane gasoline as it's more economical. There's no major issue with using 92-octane in a Skoda, and it's significantly cheaper—perfect for daily commuting since the engine design has good compatibility. While 95-octane is a bit more premium and might offer slightly better acceleration, the price difference isn't negligible, so it's unnecessary unless you frequently drive long distances. Just remember to check your owner's manual first to ensure it doesn't mandate 95-octane. Using 92-octane long-term can save you money for oil changes or new tires, though be aware that fuel consumption might increase slightly. Avoid low-quality gas stations, and from an economic standpoint, 92-octane is quite cost-effective.
