Should the 2021 Buick Excelle use 92 or 95 octane gasoline?
3 Answers
According to the official car manual recommendation, the 2021 Buick Excelle should use 92 octane gasoline. For the 2021 Buick Excelle, besides checking the appropriate gasoline grade in the car manual, you can also find it on the fuel tank cap, which will also indicate the recommended grade. Generally, the gasoline grade can also be determined based on the engine's compression ratio. Cars 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. A high compression ratio can also be adjusted to use lower-grade gasoline. This is because, besides the compression ratio, other factors such as ignition timing, turbocharging technology, and Atkinson cycle technology also play a role. Generally, the higher the gasoline grade, the higher the octane number 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 2021 Buick Excelle 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-grade gasoline, using higher-grade gasoline will not cause damage, but the increase in octane number will change 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 practical feedback. For vehicles recommended to use higher-grade gasoline, using lower-grade gasoline can cause engine knocking. Because the octane number is too low, the gasoline's ignition point decreases and may ignite prematurely during the compression stroke. If combustion occurs before the spark plug ignites during the compression stroke, 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, where vibrations not only affect driving stability but also cause abnormal wear on pistons and cylinders, and in severe cases, cylinder scoring.
I've been driving a 2021 Buick Excelle for over a year, using 92-octane gasoline every time I refuel, as it's the recommended grade from the factory. The manual clearly states that the engine's compression ratio isn't high, making 92-octane a perfect match to avoid wasting money on 95-octane. Once, I tried 95-octane and noticed little change in power or fuel efficiency—just extra cost. Choosing reputable gas stations is crucial to ensure clean fuel and prevent carbon buildup. During regular maintenance checks, the fuel system has always been in good condition. 92-octane makes daily driving worry-free and economical, even on long trips. There's really no need to fuss over higher-octane fuel; just follow the manual.
From the perspective of automotive structure, the 2021 Buick Excelle is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, designed to perform optimally with 92-octane gasoline. While higher-grade 95-octane fuel may contain more additives, it doesn't enhance this vehicle's performance and only increases costs. The electronic control unit can adapt to fuel variations, but long-term use of 92-octane ensures stable and reliable operation. When selecting fuel, avoid cheap options from small stations as inferior gasoline can easily lead to spark plug fouling. I often emphasize this point: engine longevity is closely tied to fuel quality, and 92-octane is both sufficient and maintenance-friendly. Overall, the car runs smoothly with fuel consumption well within normal ranges, perfectly aligning with its positioning as an economical family sedan.
