What Octane Gasoline is Recommended for the Highlander?
2 Answers
The Highlander officially specifies the use of 97-octane gasoline and should not be filled with gasoline below this octane rating. Relevant information about gasoline octane ratings is as follows: 1. The commonly referred to 90, 93, and 97 octane numbers represent the ratio of the actual gasoline's anti-knock performance to that of standard gasoline. If a high-compression engine uses low-octane gasoline, it can cause knocking, accelerate component wear, and lead to malfunctions. 2. Owners should choose the appropriate octane rating based on their engine's compression ratio. Each vehicle's manual will indicate the recommended gasoline octane. For example, mid-range cars with a compression ratio between 8.5-9.5 should use 93-octane gasoline, while cars with a compression ratio above 9.5 should use 97-octane gasoline. Attempting to save costs by using lower-octane gasoline will only prove counterproductive.
After driving a Highlander for several years, the manual recommends using 92 octane unleaded gasoline or higher, which is determined by the engine's designed octane requirements. I usually opt for 92 octane because it's sufficient and economical, allowing a full tank to last for hundreds of kilometers without issues. Using lower octane fuel, such as 90 octane, might cause the engine to produce knocking sounds, and prolonged use can damage pistons and cylinders, leading to costly repairs. Therefore, I advise all car owners to check their manuals for confirmation. Consistently using the recommended octane level helps keep the engine clean, improves fuel efficiency, and extends the vehicle's lifespan, which is also crucial for resale value. Occasionally using 95 octane is fine, but it's not necessary unless required by high-performance models.
