Should the Audi S4 use 95 or 98 octane gasoline?
3 Answers
Audi S4 uses 95 octane gasoline, which is the recommended fuel grade specified in the vehicle's official user manual. In addition to checking the appropriate fuel grade in the user manual, you can also find it on the fuel tank cap, where it is usually indicated. Typically, the fuel 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, those between 10.0-11.5 should use 95 octane, and if the compression ratio is higher, 98 octane is recommended. However, with the use of new technologies, the compression ratio alone cannot determine the fuel grade, as high compression ratios can also be tuned to use lower octane fuel. Other factors such as ignition timing, turbocharging technology, and Atkinson cycle technology also play a role. Generally, the higher the fuel grade, the higher the octane rating 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 Audi S4 occasionally uses the wrong fuel grade, simply switch back to the correct grade after the current tank is used up. However, long-term use of the wrong fuel grade can have the following effects: For vehicles recommended to use lower octane fuel, using higher octane fuel 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 fuel, using lower octane fuel can cause engine knocking. The significantly lower octane rating lowers the fuel's ignition point, causing premature ignition during the compression stroke. If combustion occurs before the spark plug fires, resistance is created during the upward stroke. This resistance makes the engine run very unstable. Mild knocking only increases noise and does not significantly damage the engine, but noticeable knocking indicates severe engine conditions, affecting not only driving stability but also causing abnormal wear on pistons and cylinders, potentially leading to cylinder scoring in severe cases.
As someone who has long studied German cars, I must say the Audi S4's 3.0T engine is indeed picky about fuel. The official manual clearly states that 98-octane gasoline is recommended due to its high-compression design requiring high octane to prevent knocking. From my personal testing, 98-octane fuel makes the turbo response quicker, delivering power more smoothly when flooring the accelerator, as if being pushed forward. While 95-octane can be used in emergencies, prolonged use may occasionally result in metallic knocking sounds at low RPMs, which is actually mild detonation. Over time, carbon buildup accumulates 30% faster than with 98-octane, and the cost of one carbon cleaning session could cover half a year's worth of 98-octane fuel. I always check the octane rating when refueling, especially since the car's resale value is closely tied to maintenance records.
After driving an S4 for three years, I've experimented with fueling. When the car was new, I used 95-octane for the first two months without noticeable issues, but then found the acceleration felt slightly sluggish above 4,000 RPM on highways. Switching to 98-octane made an immediate difference—gear shifts in Sport mode became crisper, and fuel consumption even dropped by a fraction of a liter. Once, in a remote area with no 98-octane available, I reluctantly used 95 for 200 km; while no engine warning light appeared, idle roughness was perceptible. Now I exclusively refuel at chain stations offering 98-octane, paying an extra 30 yuan per fill-up for peace of mind. Though fuel additives may reduce carbon buildup, I prioritize premium fuel.
