What happens if you put 98 gasoline in a car designed for 95?
4 Answers
If the vehicle is designed to use 95-octane gasoline, there is no issue with using 98-octane fuel, although it may slightly reduce acceleration performance. However, using 92-octane gasoline can have negative effects, and long-term use of 92-octane fuel is not recommended as it increases the frequency of engine knocking and accelerates engine wear. Gasoline is a volatile, flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture derived from petroleum through distillation, cracking, or pyrolysis, and is used as fuel. It appears as a transparent, flammable liquid and is classified by octane ratings such as 89, 90, 92, 93, 95, 97, and 98. Key properties of gasoline include volatility, stability, anti-knock quality, corrosiveness, and cleanliness.
As a seasoned driver with ten years of experience, I once accidentally filled my car, which normally takes 95-octane fuel, with 98-octane. Honestly, I noticed the engine ran smoother with less vibration and had better acceleration. The higher octane rating of 98-octane fuel provides better anti-knock performance. However, it's not necessary since a 95-octane engine is designed to run optimally on 95-octane fuel. Using 98-octane is more like spending extra for peace of mind. My advice is to stick with 95-octane for daily use—it's cost-effective and worry-free. If you're curious, occasionally using 98-octane won't harm the engine, but it will lighten your wallet. Remember, modern car ECUs automatically adjust ignition timing to adapt, but you won't save fuel in the long run.
From my maintenance experience, there's really no harm in using 98-octane fuel for a car designed for 95-octane. The engine can automatically handle fuels with different octane ratings, and 98-octane offers better anti-knock properties, which might prevent occasional shaking or knocking. However, it doesn't improve performance or fuel efficiency. You're essentially paying extra for marginal benefits. I've seen car owners complain about wasting money, as the price difference per liter adds up without significant returns. So, unless your car's manufacturer recommends 98-octane or you have specific performance needs, I'd suggest sticking with 95-octane fuel—it's more economical and reliable. By the way, regular checks on spark plugs and fuel injector maintenance are far more practical.
As a daily commuter, I've done the math: if I were to fill up with 98 octane instead of 95 every time, the extra cost would be enough for a full tank of gas each month. Using 98 octane in a 95-rated engine won't cause problems - the engine can adapt to higher octane levels and it's safe, but it's like wearing shoes one size too big: not ideal but won't hurt your feet. Don't expect better fuel efficiency or a power boost - the reality is you're just burning more money in your tank. My advice? Read your manual, stick with 95 octane, and don't fall for gas station upsells.
