What grade of gasoline should the Lynk & Co 03 use?
3 Answers
The Lynk & Co 03 should use 95-octane gasoline, as 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 indicated on the fuel tank cap. 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, while those with a compression ratio between 10.0-11.5 should use 95-octane gasoline. 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 appropriate gasoline grade. High compression ratio engines can also be tuned to use lower-octane gasoline, as factors like ignition timing, turbocharging technology, and Atkinson cycle technology also play a role. Generally, higher-octane gasoline has a higher octane rating and better anti-knock properties. For example, 92-octane gasoline contains 92% isooctane and 8% n-heptane, while 95-octane gasoline contains 95% isooctane and 5% n-heptane. If the Lynk & Co 03 occasionally uses the wrong gasoline grade, 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 lower-octane fuel won't cause damage, but the increased octane rating 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 higher-octane fuel can cause engine knocking. The significantly lower octane rating reduces the fuel's ignition point, causing premature ignition during the compression stroke. If combustion occurs before the spark plug fires, it creates resistance during the upward stroke, making the engine run very unstably. Mild knocking may only increase noise without significant engine damage, but severe knocking indicates serious engine issues, affecting driving stability and causing abnormal wear on pistons and cylinders, potentially leading to cylinder scoring.
I've been driving the Lynk & Co 03 for almost two years. This car has a high engine compression ratio and requires 95-octane gasoline. There's a 95-octane label printed inside the fuel tank cap, and the manual emphasizes it three times. 95-octane fuel has better anti-knock performance, which protects the turbocharged engine. I once tried to save money by using 92-octane, but the engine light came on, and there was a metallic knocking sound during acceleration. I immediately went to the 4S shop to clear the fault code. The mechanic said long-term use of lower-octane fuel could cause piston ring wear, and repairs would cost thousands. Now, I always make sure to use the 95-octane pump at gas stations. It's more expensive, but it saves on repair costs, making it more cost-effective in the long run.
The Lynk & Co 03 officially recommends using 95-octane gasoline, and this is definitely not an area to cut corners. I've studied its 2.0T engine, which features turbocharging + direct fuel injection with a compression ratio of 10:1. The higher octane rating of 95 gasoline prevents premature detonation of the air-fuel mixture, which can damage the engine. Last week, a friend borrowed my car and filled it with 92-octane, and I immediately noticed rougher gear shifts, with fuel consumption jumping from 8.5L to 10L per 100km. Currently, the price difference between 95 and 92 at gas stations is only about 0.5 yuan. For a 60L tank, that's just an extra 30 yuan, but repairing the engine once would cost enough to cover five years' worth of fuel. I recommend double-checking the fuel grade at the pump before each fill-up and not falling for any upsells from the gas station.
