What grade of gasoline should the Q3 use?
2 Answers
Audi Q3 should use 95-octane gasoline. This gasoline grade is recommended in the vehicle's official owner's manual. In addition to checking the suitable gasoline grade in the owner's 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, 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 gasoline grade, as high compression ratios can also be adjusted to use lower-octane gasoline. This is because, besides the compression ratio, 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 your Audi Q3, simply switch back to the correct grade after the current tank is used up. However, long-term use of the wrong gasoline grade can have the following effects: For vehicles recommended to use lower-octane gasoline, using a higher-octane grade won't cause damage, but the increase in octane number can alter the fuel's ignition point, leading to delayed combustion in the engine. This results in reduced engine power and thermal efficiency, manifesting as poorer performance in actual driving experience. For vehicles recommended to use higher-octane gasoline, using a lower-octane grade can cause engine knocking. Due to the significantly lower octane number, the gasoline's ignition point decreases, causing premature ignition during the compression stroke. If combustion occurs before the spark plug ignites, resistance will arise during the upward stroke. This resistance makes the engine run very unstably. If the knocking is imperceptible, it only increases noise without obvious damage to the engine. However, noticeable knocking indicates severe engine conditions, affecting not only driving stability but also causing abnormal wear on pistons and cylinders, and in severe cases, cylinder scoring.
I've been driving an Audi Q3 and usually fill it with 95-octane gasoline. The car's engine is turbocharged, which requires higher-octane fuel to prevent knocking—it sounds like a pinging noise and can damage internal components over time, leading to costly repairs. Initially, I tried using 92-octane to save money, but it resulted in reduced power and increased fuel consumption, which wasn't worth it. Now, I stick to 95-octane, especially for long trips, as it runs smoother and extends the car's lifespan. Always check the minimum requirement specified in the manual—most regions require at least 95 RON for the Q3, which corresponds to 95 or 97 octane in China. Don't compromise by using lower-grade fuel to save money, as it may end up costing more in the long run.
