What is the best gasoline grade for a new car?
3 Answers
It is best to refuel the car according to the gasoline grade required by the vehicle. That is, if the vehicle recommends 92 gasoline, it is best to add 92 gasoline; if it recommends 95 gasoline, it is best to add 95 gasoline. This depends on the brand and model you are referring to. The selection of the fuel label can be seen on the label on the back of the fuel tank cap or in the car maintenance manual. Check the inside of your car's fuel tank cap. Most models are described here. Alternatively, check the compression ratio of your car's engine. Generally, if it is less than 9.5, add 92; if it is greater than 9.5, add 95. Many people think that adding 93 or 97 is better for the car and that the oil is cleaner. In fact, this is incorrect. It depends on how suitable the car is for a particular gasoline grade.
I recently bought a new car and asked the salesperson what fuel to use. They all recommended 95 octane gasoline, but later I checked the manual myself, which stated that 92 octane is recommended and actually sufficient. This saves a lot of money since 95 octane is significantly more expensive! New car engines are designed for specific fuel grades, and using a higher grade is unnecessary and could be a waste of money. The key is to check the manual, as requirements may vary by brand and model—for example, Volkswagen might use 92, while BMW uses 95. Using the wrong fuel might not show immediate issues, but long-term effects could impact engine lifespan, such as knocking or carbon buildup. So, I suggest first checking the label near the door or the maintenance manual instead of trusting random online advice. If you don’t have the manual, call the 4S store for professional advice—don’t blindly follow trends.
I think choosing the right gasoline grade should be based on your budget. New cars are generally recommended to use 92 or 95 octane fuel, but 95 is significantly more expensive, with a difference of 20-30 yuan per fill-up. I drive an economy car and have always used 92 octane, which works quite stably without noticeably higher fuel consumption. The difference in octane grades mainly lies in anti-knock performance. Modern engines in new cars are well-optimized, so 92 octane is sufficient. Don't believe that higher octane fuel will boost performance—unless you drive a high-performance car, it's just a waste of money. Additionally, pay attention to fuel quality at gas stations. Filling up at reputable stations is more important to avoid adulterated fuel that could harm your engine. In short, for new cars, it's best to use the minimum octane grade recommended by the manufacturer—it saves money and gives peace of mind.
