Should the Dodge Journey use 92 or 95 octane gasoline?
2 Answers
According to the official vehicle manual recommendations, the Dodge Journey 2016 2.0TD 4WD Travel Edition and the 2015 2.0TD 4WD Premium Edition should use diesel fuel (0#), while other Dodge Journey models should use 92 octane gasoline. In addition to checking the appropriate gasoline grade in the vehicle manual, you can also find this information on the fuel tank cap, which will be clearly marked. Generally, the fuel 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. However, with the application of new technologies, the compression ratio alone cannot determine the appropriate gasoline grade. High compression ratio engines can also be tuned to use lower octane gasoline. This is because factors other than compression ratio, such as ignition timing, turbocharging technology, and Atkinson cycle technology, also play a role. Generally, the higher the gasoline octane rating, the higher the octane value 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 Dodge Journey occasionally uses the wrong gasoline grade, simply switching back to the correct grade after consumption is sufficient. However, prolonged 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 increase in octane value will alter the fuel's ignition point, leading to delayed combustion in the engine. This results in reduced engine power output and thermal efficiency, with the practical effect being poorer performance. For vehicles recommended to use higher octane gasoline, using lower octane gasoline can cause engine knocking. Due to the significantly lower octane value, the gasoline's ignition point decreases, causing premature ignition during the compression stroke. If combustion occurs before the spark plug ignites the fuel, resistance will develop during the upward stroke. This resistance makes the engine run very unstably. If the knocking is imperceptible, it may only increase noise without obvious engine damage. However, noticeable knocking indicates severe engine conditions, affecting not only driving stability but also causing abnormal wear on pistons and cylinders, and in severe cases, cylinder scoring.
I've been driving a Dodge Journey for several years, always using 92-octane gasoline, and I'm completely satisfied. The engine responds well, and it's worry-free for daily commuting. While 95-octane is more expensive, the performance improvement for this type of urban SUV is negligible. The manufacturer's minimum requirement was 87 octane (92-octane is equivalent), and blindly using 95-octane might cause delayed ignition due to higher knock resistance, potentially increasing carbon buildup risks. I've tested it on long trips and when towing small loads uphill with 92-octane—no issues at all. The money saved can be better spent on more frequent oil changes or spark plug maintenance, which are far more crucial. Choosing reputable gas stations to ensure fuel quality is much more important than obsessing over octane ratings.
