What happens if you fill a car that requires 95 octane with 92 octane fuel?
2 Answers
Filling a car that requires 95 octane with 92 octane fuel can cause damage to the engine for the following reasons: 1. Compared to 92 octane gasoline, 95 octane gasoline has a higher octane number content. The higher the octane number in gasoline, the better the anti-knock performance for the engine. The higher the engine's compression ratio, the higher the corresponding gasoline grade required. This is mainly because the higher the engine's compression ratio, the greater the pressure and temperature inside the cylinder, making it much more likely for engine knocking to occur under these conditions. 2. Using a lower octane fuel than required can lead to insufficient power and higher fuel consumption in the car. Prolonged use can cause damage to the engine.
I've always driven a car that requires high-octane gasoline, and I've personally experienced issues when filling 95 with 92. After using the wrong fuel, the engine tends to knock—a professional term for abnormal combustion—and the car's power immediately drops. You can feel it struggling during acceleration, and it consumes more fuel on long trips. Once, in a hurry during a business trip, I filled up with 92. On the way back to the city, even the lights dimmed. After checking the information, I learned that high-compression ratio engines need fuel with strong anti-knock properties. Using lower-octane fuel can cause engine knocking and damage parts. Over time, spark plugs will accumulate carbon deposits faster, and repairs can cost several hundred yuan. I recommend developing a habit of checking the fuel cap or using a refueling app with reminders to avoid mistakes. An occasional mistake is fine, but try to use it up and switch back as soon as possible.
