What grade of gasoline should the Teana generally use?
2 Answers
Teana models equipped with the MR20 naturally aspirated engine should use 92-octane gasoline, while Teana models equipped with the KR20 turbocharged engine should use 95-octane gasoline. These gasoline grades are recommended in the vehicle's official user manual. In addition to checking the appropriate gasoline grade in the vehicle's 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, 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 should be used. However, with the application of new technologies, the gasoline grade cannot be solely determined by the compression ratio. Engines with high compression ratios can also be tuned 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 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 Teana occasionally uses the wrong gasoline grade, 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 higher-octane gasoline will not cause damage, but the increase in 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 recommended to use higher-octane gasoline, using lower-octane gasoline can cause engine knocking. Because the octane rating is too low, the gasoline's ignition point decreases, causing it to ignite prematurely during the compression stroke. If combustion occurs before the spark plug fires, resistance will arise during the upward stroke. This resistance makes the engine run very unstably. If the knocking is mild, it only increases noise and does not significantly damage the engine. However, if the knocking is severe, it indicates serious engine conditions. The vibrations not only affect driving stability but can also cause abnormal wear on the pistons and cylinders, and in severe cases, even cylinder scoring.
I've driven several models of the Nissan Teana, and according to the owner's manual recommendations, the standard version engines all recommend using 92 octane gasoline. This is because the Teana's engine is designed to fully adapt to 92 octane, ensuring normal operation without knocking. However, it's important to note that if your Teana is a high-end model or comes with a turbocharged version, the manual might suggest using 95 octane fuel, but for most regular models, 92 octane is sufficient. Using higher octane fuel like 95 is actually unnecessary unless the engine specifically requires it; otherwise, it's just a waste of money and resources. Long-term use of the wrong octane rating may lead to carbon buildup or reduced efficiency. When refueling, I also prefer to check the gas station brand to ensure quality, as the octane rating only affects anti-knock performance, not purity. In short, to keep it simple: just take out your phone, snap a photo of the fuel recommendation page in the manual, and follow it for safety and convenience.
