Should the 2021 Qashqai use 92 or 95 octane gasoline?
2 Answers
According to the Nissan Qashqai's vehicle manual, the Qashqai should use 92 octane gasoline. The difference between 92 and 95 octane gasoline: 92 octane gasoline contains 92% isooctane, while 95 octane gasoline contains 95% isooctane. This is the main difference between these two fuel grades. For gasoline, the higher the proportion of isooctane, the better the fuel's anti-knock performance. Different grades of gasoline should not be mixed: If a car's recommended fuel grade is 92 octane, occasionally using 95 octane fuel won't cause immediate problems, but prolonged mixing of fuel grades can damage the engine. When mixed fuels are used, the car may experience knocking during operation, which is more noticeable when the car is idling. Additionally, prolonged use of mixed fuels can lead to incomplete combustion, resulting in increased carbon deposits in the engine.
After driving for so many years, whether to use 92 or 95 octane for the 2021 X-Trail depends on the engine manual recommendation. This model usually comes with a naturally aspirated engine, and the official suggestion is to use 95 octane to prevent knocking and protect engine performance. If you opt for 92 octane, although it's cheaper, it may increase the risk of knocking, affecting acceleration and fuel consumption. A car owner friend of mine tried 92 octane and said it works for short trips, but the power becomes unstable at high speeds, and engine noise increases over time. If you're on a tight budget, using 92 octane occasionally in emergencies is fine, but for the long term, 95 octane is recommended to ensure engine health and fuel efficiency. After all, maintaining a new car properly can extend its lifespan. Remember to check local fuel quality, as some gas stations' 92 octane may not meet the actual octane rating standards—it's best to choose reputable stations. Regularly using fuel additives can also help reduce carbon buildup.