What is the difference between gasoline grades?
2 Answers
The difference in gasoline grades lies in the varying octane ratings of the gasoline. Here is a detailed introduction to automotive gasoline: 1. Classification: Gasoline products can be divided into three main categories based on their use: aviation gasoline, automotive gasoline, and solvent gasoline. The first two are primarily used as fuel for gasoline engines and are widely used in cars, motorcycles, speedboats, helicopters, and agricultural and forestry aircraft. 2. Avoid mixing different grades: Mixing gasoline grades does not have a significant impact on the vehicle itself, but it is best to avoid mixing gasoline whenever possible. Since gasoline is a mixture, the gasoline grades we commonly encounter refer to different octane ratings. While the octane rating between two grades may not have a substantial effect on the engine, to ensure vehicle safety, it is advisable to avoid mixing gasoline grades.
The difference in gasoline grades mainly lies in the stability of the fuel. Higher grades like 93 or 95 have better compression resistance, making them less prone to pre-ignition and knocking during engine compression, which is especially suitable for high-performance cars or turbocharged engines. When I drove a sports car, I had to use higher-grade fuel; otherwise, the engine would make knocking sounds during acceleration. Long-term use of lower-grade fuel may damage spark plugs or even the engine block. For regular cars like family sedans, 87 is sufficient—just follow the manual’s recommendation. Don’t waste money on higher grades, as they won’t clean the engine or improve fuel efficiency. Common options at gas stations include 87, 89, and 93, which differ in octane ratings and compression resistance. Choosing the right grade for your car is the safest way to save money and protect the engine.
