What grade of gasoline should a Lexus ES use?
1 Answers
Lexus ES should use 92-octane gasoline, as this grade is recommended in the vehicle's official user manual. In addition to checking the appropriate gasoline grade in the user 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. Vehicles with an engine compression ratio between 8.6-9.9 should use 92-octane gasoline, those between 10.0-11.5 should use 95-octane gasoline, and if the compression ratio is higher, 98-octane gasoline is recommended. However, with the application of new technologies, the compression ratio alone cannot determine the gasoline grade, as high compression ratios can also be adjusted to use lower-octane gasoline. 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 you occasionally use the wrong gasoline grade in a Lexus ES, simply switch back to the correct grade after the current tank is used up. However, prolonged use of the wrong gasoline grade can have the following effects: Using a higher-octane gasoline in a vehicle designed for a lower grade will not cause damage, but the increased octane number can alter the fuel's ignition point, leading to delayed combustion in the engine. This reduces the engine's power output and thermal efficiency, resulting in poorer performance. Using a lower-octane gasoline in a vehicle designed for a higher grade can cause engine knocking. The significantly lower octane number reduces the fuel's ignition point, causing premature ignition during the compression stroke. If the fuel ignites before the spark plug fires, resistance occurs during the upward stroke. This resistance makes the engine run very unstably. Mild knocking may only increase noise without significant engine damage, but severe knocking indicates serious engine conditions, affecting not only driving stability but also causing abnormal wear on pistons and cylinders, potentially leading to cylinder scoring.