Should the Prado use 92 or 95 octane gasoline?
2 Answers
The Prado uses 92 octane gasoline. The Prado's engine actually only requires 92 octane gasoline to meet its needs, and there is no need to use 95 octane gasoline. The reason it has not been upgraded to a more powerful engine version is to maintain the engine's adaptability to fuel quality. Below is an introduction to 92 and 95 octane gasoline: 92 octane gasoline: 92 octane gasoline contains 92% isooctane and 8% n-heptane. 95 octane gasoline: 95 octane gasoline contains 95% isooctane and 5% n-heptane. When the engine's cylinders perform piston movements, gasoline and air mix and compress inside the cylinder. If the pressure is too high, knocking can easily occur.
As a long-time Prado owner with over a decade of driving experience, I've always used 95-octane gasoline. The owner's manual clearly recommends 95-octane or higher due to the engine's high compression ratio, as 95-octane better prevents knocking and protects the engine. In earlier years, I tried 92-octane a few times to save money – it worked fine for short city trips, but on highways or uphill climbs, the power noticeably dropped, and fuel consumption increased by about 10%. Long-term use of 92-octane leads to severe carbon buildup, damaging internal components, and repairs costing thousands outweigh any fuel savings. During maintenance, the mechanic warned that while 92-octane is usable, it carries risks, especially in hot weather. For long-term reliability, 95-octane is a small investment that ensures smooth and worry-free driving.
