Should the Raptor use 92 or 95 gasoline?
2 Answers
According to the official vehicle manual recommendation, the Raptor should use 92-octane gasoline. In addition to checking the suitable gasoline grade in the vehicle manual, the Raptor can also check the fuel cap, which will also indicate the recommended grade. Generally, 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 tuned to use lower-octane gasoline because, besides 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 Raptor 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 the engine's power output and thermal efficiency will decrease, resulting in poorer performance. For vehicles recommended to use higher-octane gasoline, using lower-octane gasoline can cause engine knocking. Because the octane number is too low, the gasoline's ignition point decreases, causing premature ignition during the compression stroke. If the fuel ignites before the spark plug fires during the compression stroke, resistance will occur during the upward stroke. This resistance makes the engine run very unstable. If the knocking is mild, it only increases noise without significant engine damage. However, if the knocking is severe, it indicates very serious engine conditions, affecting not only driving stability but also causing abnormal wear on pistons and cylinders, and in severe cases, cylinder scoring.
I previously drove a Raptor and felt that using 95-octane gasoline was more suitable. After all, it's a high-performance pickup truck, and its engine is designed to require higher octane to prevent knocking and ensure the turbocharging system operates smoothly. Using 92-octane isn't impossible—it can serve as an emergency option occasionally—but prolonged use may lead to engine vibrations or reduced power output, and could also cause carbon buildup issues, shortening component lifespan. I recommend checking the manual or official recommendations. Most Raptor models suggest 92 or 95, but to fully unleash the potential of the 4.0L V8, 95 is the safer choice. Considering cost-effectiveness, while 95 is slightly more expensive, the actual mileage difference isn't significant, and protecting the vehicle saves on repair costs.
