Should the Volkswagen Lamando 230 use 92 or 95 octane gasoline?
2 Answers
According to the official car manual recommendation, the Volkswagen Lamando 230 should use 95 octane gasoline. In addition to checking the suitable gasoline grade in the car manual, you can also find it on the fuel tank cap, which will be clearly marked. Generally, the gasoline grade can also be determined based on the engine's compression ratio. Cars 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 some new technologies nowadays, the gasoline grade cannot be solely determined by the compression ratio. High compression ratio engines can also be tuned to use lower octane gasoline because, apart from 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 Volkswagen Lamando 230 occasionally uses the wrong gasoline grade, simply switch back to the correct grade after consumption. However, long-term use of the wrong gasoline grade may 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 both the engine's power output and thermal efficiency will decrease, resulting in poorer performance in actual driving experience. For vehicles recommended to use higher octane gasoline, using lower octane gasoline may 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 during the compression stroke, 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 obvious damage to the engine. However, if noticeable knocking occurs, it indicates severe engine operating conditions. The vibration not only affects driving stability but can also cause abnormal wear on the pistons and cylinders, and in severe cases, may lead to cylinder scoring.
As a Volkswagen owner who has driven the Lamando series for several years, the 230 model typically comes with a turbocharged engine, just like my own. The manufacturer recommends using 95-octane gasoline. The reason is simple: the higher octane rating of 95 prevents knocking, ensures more complete combustion, delivers smoother power output, and improves fuel efficiency. If you use 92-octane, you might not notice much difference on short trips, but during high-speed overtaking or uphill climbs, the engine tends to knock, increasing fuel consumption and potentially damaging pistons and spark plugs over time, leading to higher repair costs. Don’t be fooled by claims that 92-octane saves money—in reality, 95-octane’s better efficiency may result in lower overall costs. I recommend checking the manual to confirm, and if unsure, consult a 4S店. Your car is a long-term partner; proper maintenance ensures longevity and comfort.
