Should the Pajero use 92 or 95 octane gasoline?

[LePatrick]

The Pajero can use 92 octane gasoline as specified in the manual, and there is also a reminder inside the fuel tank cap. Here is more information on gasoline selection: 1. The octane rating of 92 or 95 gasoline represents the fuel's anti-knock performance. The higher the octane number, the greater the isooctane content, indicating better anti-knock performance. Different engines require different anti-knock values. 2. For engines with a compression ratio greater than 9:1, it is recommended to use gasoline with an octane rating of 90 or higher. For engines with a compression ratio greater than 9.5:1, it is best to use 92 octane or higher. When the compression ratio exceeds 10:1, it is advisable to use 95 octane or higher. The compression ratio can be found in the specifications section of the manual.

[LeAriana]

I've been driving a Pajero for five years and always use 92-octane fuel. The engine's compression ratio isn't high, and the manufacturer's manual clearly states that 92-octane gasoline is acceptable. While 95-octane fuel has better anti-knock properties, our naturally aspirated engines don't really need it. However, if you frequently drive in high-altitude areas or use air conditioning while climbing steep hills in summer, you might notice slightly smoother throttle response with 95-octane. I've modified the chassis and often go off-road, so I always refuel at Sinopec or PetroChina stations - fuel quality matters more than the octane rating. Those recommendations to use higher-octane fuel are mostly just gas station sales tactics.

[VanMicah]

92 octane is absolutely sufficient. Isn't it better to save this money for off-road equipment? The 6G72 engine in Pajero V93 has a compression ratio of just 9.5, which is far from being a high-compression turbo engine. I've thoroughly studied Mitsubishi's official manual, which clearly states that 91 octane or higher is acceptable, and China's 92 octane fully meets the standard. There are only two situations where I would use 95 octane: first, when crossing deserts and worrying about water contamination in the fuel, and second, when lending the car to a novice driver who might cause knocking by stomping on the accelerator. But remember, for older cars with over 150,000 kilometers, 95 octane can indeed help reduce carbon deposits.

[LePaislee]

It depends on how you use it. I use my Pajero as a commuter vehicle on construction sites, hauling tools and driving on rough roads every day. For five years and 100,000 kilometers, I've only used 92-octane fuel, and when the engine was opened up, there wasn't much carbon buildup. But last year, when driving the Ali Grand Loop at an altitude of 5,000 meters, I noticed slight engine knocking during uphill climbs. Switching to 95-octane fuel immediately quieted it down. So, I recommend drivers who frequently travel in high-altitude areas to use 95-octane fuel directly, while 92-octane is sufficient for city commuting on flat terrain. Don't be fooled by gas stations claiming higher octane fuel is cleaner—cleanliness has nothing to do with the octane rating.

[DeAdriel]

Sharing a real-life comparison: Last year, my team and I entered Tibet together, all three Pajeros were using 92-octane fuel, and one of them had its malfunction indicator light come on halfway. Later, we found out it was due to fuel quality issues. The mechanic said the quality of 92-octane fuel in Tibet is unstable and recommended switching to 95. After that, we used 95-octane for the rest of the trip without any issues. However, after returning to Chengdu, I switched back to 92, and the engine still performed powerfully. The conclusion is that fuel quality is more crucial than the octane rating, but in remote areas where gas station quality is hard to guarantee, 95-octane is a safer choice.

[LukeFitz]

I've studied the Mitsubishi technical manual, and the Pajero's 6G72/75 engine is indeed designed to use 92-octane fuel. However, note that older vehicles are prone to carbon buildup. My 12-year-old V93 started using 95-octane last year. Surprisingly, cold starts became smoother, and engine roar during highway overtaking was slightly reduced. A repair shop mechanic used a borescope and said 95-octane reduces carbon deposit formation in the cylinders. My current approach is using 95 when frequently running AC in summer, then switching back to 92 in winter. The annual fuel cost increases by about 800 yuan, which I consider as maintenance expense.