Should the Lynk & Co 02 Use 92 or 95 Octane Gasoline?
4 Answers
According to the official vehicle user manual recommendation, the Lynk & Co 02 should use 95 octane gasoline. In addition to checking the appropriate gasoline grade in the vehicle user manual, you can also find it on the fuel tank cap, which will be clearly marked. Typically, the 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. 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 octane gasoline because, apart from 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 Lynk & Co 02 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 octane gasoline, using higher octane gasoline will not cause damage, but the increase in octane number will alter 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 a noticeable decline in performance. For vehicles recommended to use higher octane gasoline, using lower octane gasoline can cause engine knocking. Due to the significantly lower octane number, the gasoline's ignition point decreases, causing premature ignition during the compression stroke. If detonation occurs before the spark plug fires during the compression stroke, resistance will arise in the upward stroke. This resistance makes the engine run very unstably. If the knocking is imperceptible, it only increases noise without significant damage to the engine. 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 owned the Lynk & Co 02 for some time now and have been very attentive to refueling. The official manual recommends using 95-octane gasoline because the engine is turbocharged, and the higher octane rating of 95 helps prevent knocking and protects the engine. While 92-octane can be used and is cheaper, I've tried it and felt the acceleration was softer, less powerful, and fuel consumption was slightly higher. Using 92-octane long-term increases the risk of carbon buildup, making cleaning troublesome and raising maintenance costs. In the car owners' group, everyone agrees that sticking with 95-octane ensures smoother driving and quicker power response. Occasionally, if only 92-octane is available at a service station, filling up once is fine, but don't make it a habit. Developing good habits by using 95-octane more often maintains your beloved car and extends its lifespan, allowing you to drive with peace of mind and enjoy the pleasure of driving.
With over a decade of driving experience, I highly recommend using 95-octane fuel for the Lynk & Co 02. While 92-octane is cheaper, its lower octane rating increases the risk of engine knocking, especially during high-speed climbs. I've seen a friend who frequently used 92-octane end up with severe carbon buildup, costing thousands in repairs—neither economical nor worth the hassle. The manual clearly recommends 95-octane to protect the turbo system; using 92-octane weakens power output, slightly raises fuel consumption, and degrades the driving experience. Occasional 92-octane use is fine, but for daily driving, stick to 95-octane to prevent issues and ensure reliability, especially on long trips. Vehicle maintenance starts with small choices—prioritize peace of mind and safety over short-term savings. Don’t invite big trouble by cutting corners.
The Lynk & Co 02 engine is designed to perform optimally with 95-octane fuel, which provides superior anti-knock properties to prevent abnormal combustion and protect components. Using 92-octane fuel with insufficient octane may trigger automatic ignition timing adjustments, potentially reducing horsepower, increasing fuel consumption, and raising the risk of carbon buildup. While occasional use of 92-octane is permissible, it is not a sustainable long-term solution. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's guidelines to maintain performance, ensure smooth operation, guarantee reliability, and achieve lower maintenance costs.
