What type of fuel should the Lamando 230 use?
2 Answers
The Lamando 230 should use 95-octane gasoline, as recommended in the vehicle's official user manual. In addition to checking the appropriate fuel grade in the user manual, you can also find this information on the fuel tank cap, where it is usually indicated. Generally, 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. If the compression ratio is even higher, 98-octane gasoline is recommended. However, with the use of newer 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 grade, the higher the octane rating 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 Lamando 230 occasionally uses the wrong fuel grade, simply switching back to the correct grade after consumption is sufficient. However, prolonged use of the wrong fuel grade can have the following effects: For vehicles designed for lower-octane fuel, using higher-octane fuel will not cause damage, but the increased octane rating can alter the fuel's ignition point, leading to delayed combustion in the engine. This reduces the engine's power output and thermal efficiency, resulting in poorer performance. For vehicles designed for higher-octane fuel, using lower-octane fuel can cause engine knocking. The significantly lower octane rating lowers the fuel's ignition point, causing premature ignition during the compression stroke. If combustion occurs before the spark plug fires, it creates resistance 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, affecting not only driving stability but also causing abnormal wear on pistons and cylinders, potentially leading to cylinder scoring.
I currently drive a Lamando 230TSI, and this model officially recommends using 95-octane gasoline. When I bought the car, the 4S store repeatedly emphasized this point because its engine has a relatively high compression ratio. 92-octane fuel has a lower octane rating, and long-term use can easily cause knocking, making the car feel jerky during acceleration and produce abnormal noises. Personally, I insist on using 95-octane fuel and always choose reputable gas stations like Sinopec for refueling. Although the price is slightly higher, the car runs very smoothly, and fuel consumption remains stable. On one occasion when I was in a hurry and tried 92-octane, the power noticeably weakened, and I was worried about damaging the engine. For maintenance, I recommend not skimping on this cost—regularly check the spark plugs and fuel filter to ensure the car's performance. The gasoline grade actually represents anti-knock capability, and 95-octane is more suitable for high-performance engines. In short, for the Lamando 230, sticking to 95-octane is the safest choice to avoid additional repair expenses.