Should the Sagitar use 92 or 95 octane gasoline?
4 Answers
According to the official vehicle manual recommendation, the Sagitar should use 95 octane gasoline. In addition to checking the appropriate gasoline grade in the vehicle manual, you can also find it marked on the fuel tank cap. Typically, 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 new technologies, the compression ratio alone cannot determine the appropriate gasoline grade. High compression ratio engines can also be tuned to use lower octane gasoline because factors such as ignition timing, turbocharging technology, and Atkinson cycle technology also play a role. Generally, the higher the gasoline octane number, the higher the octane value 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 Sagitar accidentally 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 for low-octane gasoline, using high-octane gasoline will not cause damage, but the increase in octane value may alter the fuel's ignition point, leading to delayed combustion in the engine. This results in reduced engine power and thermal efficiency, with the actual feedback being poorer performance. For vehicles recommended for high-octane gasoline, using low-octane gasoline can cause engine knocking. Due to the significantly lower octane value, the gasoline's ignition point decreases, causing premature ignition during the compression stroke. If combustion occurs before the spark plug fires, resistance will arise during the upward stroke. This resistance makes the engine run very unstably. If the knocking is imperceptible, it may only increase noise without obvious engine damage. However, noticeable knocking indicates severe engine conditions, affecting not only driving stability but also causing abnormal wear on pistons and cylinders, and in severe cases, cylinder scoring.
I've been driving the Sagitar for several years, and the owner's manual recommends using 95-octane fuel, which I've consistently adhered to. I tried 92-octane once, and the engine started knocking, acceleration wasn't smooth, and fuel consumption increased slightly. After switching back to 95, the car runs smoothly and quietly. In the long run, it protects the engine from issues, and the money saved on fuel isn't worth the repair costs. Remember to choose reputable gas stations for quality assurance—don't skimp on fuel. Regular maintenance is also crucial; check the engine oil and spark plugs to ensure performance stays optimal.
As a daily driver of a Sagitar, I've also considered saving money by using 92-octane fuel. However, the manual emphasizes that 95-octane is recommended to match the engine's compression ratio. Using 92-octane might trigger engine warnings or cause overheating, potentially increasing maintenance costs. I now exclusively use 95-octane, always checking the pump label during refueling to avoid mixing fuels. Maintaining this practice long-term keeps the car in good condition and provides peace of mind. As a side note, extra attention should be paid to fuel quality during summer road trips, as high temperatures can affect engine efficiency.
The Sagitar's engine design is optimized for 95-octane gasoline to ensure stable ignition and reduce knocking. While using 92-octane may seem cheaper in the short term, it can cause engine noise and vibrations, affecting driving comfort. Consistently using the recommended fuel grade protects internal components, extends engine life, and optimizes fuel efficiency. Develop the habit of sticking to the specified fuel type and avoid switching arbitrarily.
