What grade of gasoline should the Nissan Patrol use?
2 Answers
The Nissan Patrol should use 95-octane gasoline. This gasoline grade is recommended in the vehicle's official owner's manual. In addition to checking the owner's manual for the appropriate gasoline grade, you can also find this information on the fuel tank cap, which will be clearly marked. Typically, the gasoline grade can also be determined based on the engine's compression ratio. Vehicles with a 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 use of new technologies, the compression ratio alone cannot determine the appropriate gasoline grade, as high-compression engines can also be tuned to use lower-octane gasoline. This is because 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 rating 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 the Nissan Patrol 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: For vehicles designed for lower-octane gasoline, using higher-octane gasoline will not 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. For vehicles designed for higher-octane gasoline, using lower-octane gasoline can cause engine knocking. The significantly lower octane rating lowers the fuel's ignition point, causing premature ignition during the compression stroke. If combustion occurs before the spark plug fires, resistance is generated during the upward stroke. This resistance makes the engine run very unevenly. Mild knocking may only increase noise without significant engine damage, but severe knocking indicates serious engine issues. The vibrations not only affect driving stability but can also cause abnormal wear on the pistons and cylinders, and in extreme cases, cylinder scoring.
I've been driving a Patrol for years, and based on my experience, it's generally recommended to use either 92 or 95 octane gasoline, depending on the model year. My 2018 model's manual suggests 95 octane to prevent engine knocking at high temperatures and improve fuel efficiency. For daily city driving, I always use 95 octane—it makes the engine quieter, acceleration smoother, and the car more fuel-efficient. Over time, using the wrong octane can lead to carbon buildup, damaging pistons and spark plugs. I recommend checking the fuel cap or user manual before each refuel to avoid guessing. For long trips, using higher-quality gasoline ensures more stable mileage and fewer roadside issues, which is crucial for SUV drivers.
