What are the consequences of using 92-octane gasoline in the new Touareg?
2 Answers
Using 92-octane gasoline in a car designed for 95-octane fuel once or twice is not a big issue, but prolonged use can lead to insufficient cylinder pressure to meet the combustion requirements of the air-fuel mixture, increasing the likelihood of engine knocking. This can manifest as weak engine power output and higher fuel consumption. Differences between 92-octane and 95-octane gasoline: The main difference between these two types of gasoline lies in the content of n-heptane and isooctane. The octane rating (92 or 95) indicates the fuel's anti-knock properties. The higher the octane number, the greater the isooctane content, which means better anti-knock performance. What car owners should do: Carefully read the vehicle's manual to understand the engine's compression ratio and follow the recommended fuel standards provided in the manual.
The new Touareg is designed to use 95-octane or higher gasoline, and filling it with 92-octane does pose risks. Firstly, the engine is prone to knocking, which means the gasoline ignites prematurely, causing abnormal vibrations—it feels like the engine is hiccuping, affecting power output and fuel consumption. I've driven this car, and with lower-quality fuel, the acceleration is noticeably sluggish. Additionally, the ECU will automatically retard ignition timing to protect the engine, but prolonged use can lead to increased carbon deposits, reducing engine lifespan. Secondly, fuel economy suffers—92-octane has a lower octane rating and burns less efficiently than 95-octane, potentially increasing fuel consumption by 1-2 liters per 100 kilometers. In the long run, you won't save money on fuel but may end up spending more. Moreover, high-compression engines are particularly vulnerable to low-octane fuel, risking damage to pistons and cylinders, with repairs potentially costing thousands. If the car is still under warranty, using improper fuel may void the manufacturer's coverage. For peace of mind, it's best to stick with the recommended fuel grade.
