What type of fuel should be used for the Golf 8?
2 Answers
The Golf 8 should use 95-octane gasoline, as this fuel grade is recommended in the vehicle's official user manual. In addition to checking the appropriate fuel grade in the user manual, you can also find it indicated on the fuel tank cap of the Golf 8. Typically, the fuel grade can also be determined based on the engine's compression ratio. Vehicles with a compression ratio between 8.6-9.9 should use 92-octane gasoline, while those with a compression ratio between 10.0-11.5 should use 95-octane gasoline. For higher compression ratios, 98-octane gasoline is recommended. However, with the use of new technologies, the compression ratio alone cannot determine the required fuel grade, as high-compression engines can also be tuned to use lower-octane fuel. Other factors, such as ignition timing, turbocharging technology, and Atkinson cycle technology, also play a role. Generally, the higher the fuel octane rating, the higher the octane number and the better the anti-knock performance. 92-octane gasoline contains 92% isooctane and 8% n-heptane, while 95-octane gasoline contains 95% isooctane and 5% n-heptane. If the Golf 8 occasionally uses the wrong fuel grade, simply switch back to the correct grade after the current tank is used up. However, prolonged use of the wrong fuel grade can have the following effects: For vehicles designed for lower-octane fuel, using a higher-octane grade will not cause damage, but the increased octane number may alter the fuel's ignition point, leading to delayed combustion in the engine. This reduces both the engine's power output and thermal efficiency, resulting in poorer performance. For vehicles designed for higher-octane fuel, using a lower-octane grade can cause engine knocking. The significantly lower octane number lowers the fuel's ignition point, causing premature ignition during the compression stroke. If combustion occurs before the spark plug fires, resistance is generated during the upward stroke. This resistance makes the engine run very unevenly. Mild knocking may only increase noise without obvious engine damage, but severe knocking indicates serious engine issues. The vibrations not only affect driving stability but can also cause abnormal wear on pistons and cylinders, potentially leading to severe engine damage.
I've been driving the Golf 8 for almost a year. The manual clearly states that 95-octane fuel is most suitable because this generation's engine has a high compression ratio, and 95-octane fuel has sufficient octane rating for more complete combustion and stable power output. Using 92-octane occasionally is fine, but long-term use may increase carbon deposits or cause knocking. I noticed fuel grade standards vary by region—95-octane is common in China, while RON95 is used in the EU, so don’t confuse them. On highways, using 98-octane provides a slight power boost, but avoid unnecessary switching. Always check the fuel cap or manual label and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance to extend engine life and avoid costly repairs—small savings now prevent big expenses later.
