Should the Renault Koleos use 92 or 95 octane gasoline?
2 Answers
Renault Koleos should use 92 octane gasoline, as this fuel grade is recommended in the vehicle's official user manual. In addition to checking the appropriate gasoline grade in the user manual, the fuel cap of the Renault Koleos will also indicate the recommended octane rating. 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. If the compression ratio is higher, 98 octane gasoline is recommended. However, with the application of new technologies, the compression ratio alone cannot determine the gasoline grade, as high-compression engines can also be tuned to use lower-octane fuel. This is because 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 Renault Koleos occasionally uses the wrong gasoline grade, simply switching back to the correct grade after use is sufficient. 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 fuel will not cause damage, but the increased octane number may alter the fuel's ignition point, leading to delayed combustion in the engine. This reduces the engine's power output and thermal efficiency, resulting in poorer performance. For vehicles recommended to use higher-octane gasoline, using lower-octane fuel can cause engine knocking. Due to the significantly lower octane number, the fuel's ignition point decreases, causing premature ignition during the compression stroke. If detonation occurs before the spark plug fires, resistance will develop during the upward stroke. This resistance makes the engine run very unstably. Mild knocking may only increase noise without significant engine damage, but severe knocking indicates serious engine conditions, affecting not only driving stability but also causing abnormal wear on pistons and cylinders, and in extreme cases, cylinder scoring.
I've been driving a Renault Koleos for several years, and the most reliable approach is to refer to the owner's manual. It clearly states that 95-octane gasoline is recommended. The higher octane rating of 95 provides better anti-knock performance, resulting in smoother engine sound without any knocking noises. While 92-octane is cheaper, it may lead to sluggish acceleration or even engine damage, especially under poor road conditions or heavy loads. Renault's engine is quite sophisticated, and saving a bit on fuel might end up costing more in repairs—definitely not worth it. I recommend sticking with 95-octane for safety, peace of mind, and better throttle response, making highway driving effortless. Long-term use of the wrong fuel grade increases carbon buildup, affecting fuel efficiency and leading to costly repairs. So don’t cut corners—follow the manual, and you’ll be just fine.
