Should the Skoda Karoq Use 92 or 95 Octane Gasoline?
2 Answers
According to the official vehicle manual recommendation, the Skoda Karoq should use 92 octane gasoline. In addition to checking the suitable gasoline grade in the vehicle manual, the Skoda Karoq's fuel cap also indicates the recommended octane rating. Typically, the choice of gasoline grade can also be determined by 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 still be tuned to use lower octane gasoline due to other influencing factors such as ignition timing, turbocharging technology, and Atkinson cycle technology. Generally, the higher the gasoline octane rating, 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 Skoda Karoq 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 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 experience being poorer performance. For vehicles recommended to use higher octane gasoline, using lower octane gasoline can cause engine knocking. Due to the significantly lower octane number, the gasoline's ignition point decreases, causing premature ignition during the compression stroke. If combustion occurs before the spark plug ignites, resistance will arise during the upward stroke. This resistance makes the engine run very unstably. If the knocking is imperceptible, it only increases noise without significant 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.
As a Skoda Karoq owner for three years, I think this matter should be checked against the manual. The official recommendation is to use 95-octane gasoline because of its higher octane rating, which ensures smoother engine operation. Using 92-octane is also possible, but after long-term testing, I found it increases fuel consumption slightly and makes acceleration less smooth. A few times when I tried saving money by using 92-octane, the engine made some unusual noises, and the technician diagnosed it as minor knocking issues after inspection. Now I only use 95-octane—though it's a bit more expensive, the monthly fuel cost is about the same, and it protects the engine better. When the car was new, the mechanic warned me not to skimp unnecessarily, as 95-octane reduces carbon buildup and extends maintenance intervals. In short, following the official recommendation is always the right choice.
