What are the pros and cons of using 95-octane gasoline in Nissan Qashqai?
2 Answers
Using 95-octane gasoline in the Qashqai can harm the vehicle and offers no benefits; 92-octane or higher gasoline is sufficient. Introduction to 95-octane gasoline: 95-octane gasoline consists of 95% isooctane and 5% n-heptane. High-compression engines should use high-octane gasoline. Using low-octane gasoline in high-compression engines can lead to abnormal combustion, causing knocking, increased fuel consumption, and reduced driving power. Introduction to gasoline: Gasoline is a volatile, flammable hydrocarbon mixture liquid derived from petroleum through distillation and cracking, used as fuel. It appears as a transparent liquid, is flammable, with a distillation range of 30 to 220 degrees, and primarily consists of C5–C12 aliphatic and cycloalkanes, along with a certain amount of aromatic hydrocarbons.
As a veteran owner who has driven a Nissan Qashqai for ten years, I'd like to share some experiences after using 95-octane gasoline several times. Let's talk about the benefits first. The higher octane rating of 95-octane fuel reduces engine knocking, especially when climbing steep hills or during long-distance driving. The engine runs smoother with slightly quicker acceleration. It also helps reduce carbon buildup, potentially making long-term engine maintenance easier. I tested it for a month in city driving and observed a slight fuel consumption reduction of about 0.x liters, though it hardly affects daily commutes. The downside is the higher cost – currently, a full tank costs over 30 yuan more than 92-octane, which adds up significantly over time. Unless you have the turbocharged high-end version (owner's manual recommends 92-octane for standard models), using 95-octane is somewhat wasteful. My suggestion: stick with 92-octane for daily use, switching to 95-octane only during extreme summer heat or frequent mountain driving for peace of mind. After all, the performance difference is marginal, while saving money is more practical.
