What are the effects of mixing E92 and 92 gasoline?
3 Answers
92 gasoline and 95 gasoline cannot be mixed because they have different iso-octane contents. 92 gasoline is suitable for engines with low compression ratios, while 95 gasoline is suitable for engines with high compression ratios. If 92 gasoline is added to a car that should use 95 gasoline, it may cause abnormal combustion, leading to knocking. Knocking not only damages the combustion chamber but also directly affects the normal operation of the engine, and in severe cases, may cause engine damage. If 95 gasoline is added to a car that should use 92 gasoline, although it will not damage the engine, 95 gasoline is more expensive than 92 gasoline, resulting in unnecessary costs. Differences between 92, 95, and 98 gasoline: Standard gasoline is composed of iso-octane and n-heptane. Iso-octane has good anti-knock properties, with its octane rating set at 100; n-heptane has poor anti-knock properties and is prone to knocking in gasoline engines, with its octane rating set at 0. If the gasoline is labeled as 92, it means that the gasoline has the same anti-knock properties as standard gasoline containing 92% iso-octane and 8% n-heptane. The same principle applies to 95 and 98 gasoline. What to do if the wrong gasoline is added: If gasoline with a higher octane rating than specified for the car is added, for example, adding 95 when 92 is specified, simply switch back to 92 gasoline after the current fuel is consumed. If gasoline with a lower octane rating than specified for the car is added, for example, adding 92 when 95 is specified, you can add a high anti-knock fuel additive. Alternatively, you can directly drain the fuel and refill with 95 gasoline. To find out which gasoline your car requires, you can refer to the car's user manual or check the fuel grade marked on the fuel tank cap.
For those who frequently study fuels, mixing E92 and 92 gasoline generally doesn't pose major issues, but it depends on the vehicle's age. Most modern cars are compatible with ethanol-blended gasoline, so mixing them won't significantly affect power or fuel consumption—occasional mixing is fine. However, older vehicles may not handle it well, as ethanol tends to absorb water, potentially causing fuel line corrosion or component damage. Long-term mixing can increase fuel consumption because E92 has lower energy density, making the car less fuel-efficient. It's advisable to check the owner's manual first; if possible, avoid mixing to prevent unexpected issues. When dealing with mixed fuels, ensure no water accumulates in the fuel tank, and regular maintenance can help extend engine life.
I've been driving for over a decade and have mixed E92 with 92-octane gasoline a few times. From personal experience, there's no noticeable impact on acceleration, but the engine sometimes has slight vibrations and fuel consumption increases a bit. The advantage is that E92 is cheaper, so mixing saves money; the downside is that older cars might experience startup issues, such as clogged fuel injectors. If your car is new, feel free to mix; if it's old, be cautious. Checking the fuel pump and fuel lines more frequently can prevent trouble. Overall, it's relatively safe, just don't do it long-term.