Should the Nissan Qashqai use 92 or 95 octane gasoline?
2 Answers
The Nissan Qashqai requires 92 octane gasoline. The main difference between 92 and 95 octane gasoline lies in the ratio of n-heptane and isooctane. The Qashqai's engine does not meet the requirements for 95 octane fuel. Using higher-octane gasoline in a car with a lower compression ratio can lead to economic waste, as well as slower ignition, prolonged combustion time, reduced power output, and even damage to the exhaust manifold. If the Qashqai accidentally uses 95 octane gasoline, short-term use will have minimal impact, but it is recommended to stick to the specified gasoline. The engine's compression ratio is fixed, so the correct gasoline octane should be chosen. If a 92 octane engine is forced to use 95 octane gasoline, it may result in delayed combustion—where the pressure reaches its peak before the auto-ignition point—leading to incomplete combustion, pollution, and waste. Following the car manufacturer's recommendations for the appropriate gasoline octane can extend the engine's lifespan and improve fuel efficiency.
I've been driving the Qashqai for several years and usually use 92-octane fuel, which is quite economical. The Qashqai manual generally recommends 92-octane or higher, and 95-octane is also acceptable but significantly more expensive. I've tested using 95-octane and felt a slightly quicker response during acceleration, but for daily city commuting, 92-octane is completely sufficient with no major changes in fuel consumption. The Qashqai's engine design isn't overly demanding on fuel quality, and 92-octane provides enough anti-knock performance without harming the engine. The key is to choose reputable gas stations to avoid low-quality fuel. The money saved by consistently using 92-octane can be used for car maintenance or other purposes. Once, during a trip to a high-altitude area, I used 95-octane for more stable power, but it's unnecessary for regular use. Rest assured, using 92-octane is perfectly fine.
