Should the Baojun 730 use 92 or 95 octane gasoline?
3 Answers
The Baojun 730 can use 92 octane gasoline. This octane rating is recommended in the vehicle's official user manual. In addition to checking the appropriate gasoline grade in the user manual, the recommended octane rating is also indicated on the fuel tank cap. Generally, the required gasoline grade can also be determined based on the engine's compression ratio. Vehicles 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. If the compression ratio is even higher, 98 octane gasoline is recommended. However, with the application of new technologies, the compression ratio alone cannot determine the required gasoline grade, as high-compression engines 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, higher-octane gasoline has a higher octane rating and better 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 Baojun 730 occasionally uses the wrong gasoline grade, simply switch back to the correct grade after the tank is empty. However, prolonged use of the wrong gasoline grade can have the following effects: For vehicles designed for lower-octane fuel, using higher-octane gasoline will not cause damage, but the increased octane rating may alter the fuel's ignition point, leading to delayed combustion. This reduces the engine's power output and thermal efficiency, resulting in poorer performance. For vehicles designed for higher-octane fuel, using lower-octane gasoline can cause engine knocking. Due to the significantly lower octane rating, the fuel may ignite prematurely during the compression stroke, creating resistance before the spark plug fires. This resistance can make the engine run very unevenly. Mild knocking may only increase noise without noticeable engine damage, but severe knocking indicates serious engine issues, affecting driving stability and causing abnormal wear to pistons and cylinders, potentially leading to cylinder scoring.
With over 20 years of auto repair experience, I've seen many Baojun 730 owners struggling with gasoline choices. According to the vehicle manual, the 730's engine is designed for 92-octane fuel, as the octane rating perfectly matches its compression ratio. Using 95-octane won't boost performance but wastes money instead—the price difference can exceed 10% of refueling costs. Forcing higher-octane fuel may lead to long-term carbon buildup or slight incomplete combustion, increasing maintenance expenses. I advise owners to check the manual or consult a 4S store first—don't blindly follow trends. The 730 is an economical model; 92-octane provides stable and durable performance, saving both hassle and money. Remember, fuel quality matters more than the octane rating—choose reputable stations for 92-octane, and it's absolutely safe and reliable.
As a budget-conscious parent, I drive the Baojun 730 for family trips and always use 92-octane gasoline. With 95-octane fuel costing about 0.6 yuan more per liter, assuming a monthly mileage of 1,500 km and an average fuel consumption of 7 liters per 100 km, I can save over 60 yuan a month, which adds up to more than 700 yuan a year—enough to buy stationery for my child. The 730's engine isn't picky about fuel; it runs smoothly on 92-octane, so why spend more? Using 95-octane doesn't noticeably improve fuel efficiency, with test data showing a difference of less than 1%. Plus, higher-octane fuel performs the same on rough urban and rural roads. I’m used to finding discounts via apps and have stuck with 92-octane for years, with the car in great condition. Sharing this money-saving tip with fellow drivers!
