Should the New Regal Use 92 or 95 Octane Gasoline?
4 Answers
The New Regal requires 95 octane gasoline because all models are equipped with turbocharged engines. Using higher-octane gasoline can reduce the likelihood of engine knocking. The higher the octane rating, the better the anti-knock performance. Knocking is an abnormal combustion phenomenon in the engine. When the piston is in the compression stroke, it moves upward to compress the air-fuel mixture, increasing its pressure and temperature. If the gasoline's anti-knock performance is poor, the air-fuel mixture may ignite spontaneously before the spark plug fires, resulting in knocking. Knocking can damage the engine, and severe cases may even cause piston cracking or connecting rod deformation. To prevent knocking, higher-octane gasoline is necessary. When refueling, it's important not only to choose the correct octane rating but also to select high-quality gasoline. Every car has manufacturer-specified gasoline octane requirements, usually clearly indicated on the fuel filler cap. Following these specifications ensures no mistakes are made. It's important to note that octane ratings only indicate anti-knock performance, not cleanliness or purity. Blindly using higher-octane gasoline can lead to excessively high combustion temperatures, incomplete combustion, and damage to engine valves or increased emissions. Conversely, cars requiring higher-octane gasoline should not switch to lower-octane fuel, as this may cause poor acceleration, engine overheating, abnormal wear, increased fuel consumption, or even severe engine damage.
I've been driving my new Regal for almost two years now. The manual says 92-octane gasoline is perfectly fine, but out of curiosity, I tried 95-octane a few times. It felt like the engine noise was slightly quieter during acceleration, with no noticeable change in fuel consumption. This car's engine is designed for 92-octane, so there's no need to force higher octane fuel—it just costs more and wastes resources. Remember to check your owner's manual first, as there might be slight differences between Regal models of different years. Blindly upgrading the gasoline grade could lead to unnecessary knocking risks or carbon buildup issues. For daily city commuting, 92-octane is more than enough—there's really no need to waste money on 95-octane.
As a veteran driver with 15 years of experience driving various models, my refueling habit for the new Regal has always been 92-octane gasoline, which the manual recommends as the most suitable—economical, affordable, and safe. Although higher-grade 95-octane fuel has a higher octane rating that can reduce slight engine knocking, it doesn’t noticeably improve performance and instead increases monthly fuel expenses. The new Regal’s engine is optimized for efficient combustion with lower-octane fuel, so 92-octane is perfectly sufficient for smooth operation. Don’t forget to check the fuel filler label to confirm the specific requirements; overpursuing higher-octane fuel can sometimes backfire and affect engine longevity. It’s fine to occasionally try 95-octane during long trips, but don’t make it a habit.
From a mechanical principle perspective, the new Regal is most suitable for 92-octane gasoline, as the octane rating matches the engine's compression ratio. While higher-grade 95-octane fuel benefits some premium vehicles, ordinary Regal models gain no particular advantage from using it—this only wastes energy and increases emissions. The key is to consult the owner's manual rather than making assumptions. 92-octane provides stable combustion and reduces knock risk, making it more practical and economical. Simply checking the fuel cap label is far more important than debating octane ratings!
