What to Do If You Accidentally Filled with 92 Instead of 95?
2 Answers
Here are the solutions if your car requires 95 but you accidentally filled it with 92: 1. Don't worry too much. If your car is supposed to use 95 octane gasoline but you filled it with 92, the main difference between the two grades lies in their anti-knock properties, which may cause engine knocking, reduced power, etc. 2. In such cases, you can purchase a fuel additive that enhances anti-knock performance. Use it and wait until the 92 gasoline is almost used up before refilling with 95. If conditions permit, you can also drain the wrong fuel after the mistake and refill with 95 octane gasoline.
Once I made the same mistake at an out-of-town gas station—I didn’t realize until after filling up that I’d mixed in 92-octane gas. Actually, it depends on the situation: if your car recommends 95 but can handle 92 at a minimum, an occasional mix-up isn’t a big deal. However, afterward, you should treat your car to some 'premium fuel'—it’s advised to start blending in 95-octane when the tank is down to 1/3, gradually raising the octane level. The most crucial part is monitoring your car like a patient over the next two weeks: watch for abnormal shaking during cold starts, and listen for 'knocking' sounds from the engine when climbing hills. Last year, my neighbor’s turbocharged car ran through a full tank of the wrong fuel before switching, resulting in a 4,000+ yuan repair for the oxygen sensor. Oh, and whatever you do, avoid flooring the accelerator during this period!
