What do 92, 95, and 98 mean?
2 Answers
92 octane indicates that the actual gasoline's anti-knock performance is equivalent to a standard gasoline containing 92% isooctane and 8% n-heptane; 95 octane indicates that the actual gasoline's anti-knock performance is equivalent to a standard gasoline containing 95% isooctane and 5% n-heptane; 98 octane indicates that the actual gasoline's anti-knock performance is equivalent to a standard gasoline containing 98% isooctane and 2% n-heptane. Currently, the gasoline sold on the market mainly includes three types: 92 octane, 95 octane, and 98 octane. 92 octane gasoline is suitable for mid-range and low-end cars with lower quality requirements for gasoline; 95 octane gasoline is suitable for most cars, including those with turbocharging or high compression ratios; 98 octane gasoline has high requirements for the car's engine and is suitable for high-end luxury or high-performance vehicles. The higher the octane number, the better the gasoline's anti-knock performance. Gasoline with an octane rating above 95 gradually increases in octane content and is suitable for high-compression-ratio models. Naturally aspirated engines with a displacement below 2.0T generally have a compression ratio within 10 and can use 92 or 95 octane gasoline. For turbocharged models with a displacement of 1.5T or above, 95 octane or higher is recommended.
I've been driving for twenty years and know that numbers like 92, 95, and 98 are gasoline grades representing octane ratings. Simply put, the higher the number, the less likely the gasoline is to ignite prematurely in the engine, which is called good anti-knock performance. 92 gasoline has a lower octane rating, suitable for older cars or engines with low compression ratios, and is cheaper; 95 is mid-grade, recommended for most new cars today, balancing performance and cost; 98 is premium, with the highest octane rating, suitable for high-performance cars or turbocharged engines, running smoother but more expensive. I used to save money with 92, but after changing cars, I found 95 more stable, with better acceleration and slightly better fuel economy. Beginners shouldn't just go for the cheapest option; check the vehicle manual recommendations first to avoid misfueling, which can cause engine knocking or even damage. Long-term use of low-grade gasoline may lead to more carbon deposits. Remember, using the right fuel can extend your car's lifespan and save on maintenance costs.
