What Type of Gasoline Should a Bora Use?
2 Answers
The Bora should use 92-octane gasoline, as recommended in the vehicle's official user manual. In addition to checking the appropriate gasoline grade in the user manual, you can also find this information on the fuel tank cap, which is usually labeled. Typically, the gasoline grade can also be determined based on the engine's compression ratio. Vehicles with an engine compression ratio between 8.6-9.9 should use 92-octane gasoline, while those with a 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 new technologies, the compression ratio alone cannot determine the appropriate gasoline grade. High compression ratios can also be adjusted to use lower-octane gasoline due to other influencing factors such as ignition timing, turbocharging technology, and Atkinson cycle technology. Generally, the higher the gasoline grade, 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 you occasionally use the wrong gasoline grade in your Bora, simply switch back to the correct grade after using it up. However, long-term use of the wrong gasoline grade can have the following effects: For vehicles recommended to use lower-octane gasoline, using higher-octane gasoline will not cause damage, but the increased octane number can alter the fuel's ignition point, leading to delayed combustion in the engine. This results in reduced engine performance and thermal efficiency, with the practical effect being poorer power output. For vehicles recommended to use higher-octane gasoline, using lower-octane gasoline can cause engine knocking. The significantly lower octane number reduces the fuel's ignition point, causing premature ignition during the compression stroke. If combustion occurs before the spark plug fires, resistance will arise during the upward stroke. This resistance makes the engine run very unstably. Mild knocking may only increase noise without obvious engine damage, but severe knocking indicates serious engine conditions, affecting not only driving stability but also causing abnormal wear on pistons and cylinders, potentially leading to cylinder scoring in severe cases.
I've been driving my Bora for several years and always use 95-octane gasoline, as recommended by the manufacturer. This is mainly because the engine is turbocharged and designed to run smoothly only with higher-octane fuel. I remember when I first bought the car, the salesperson specifically advised using 95-octane, and I even checked the manual to confirm. Once, when I was in a hurry, I tried filling up with 92-octane, and I immediately noticed the lack of power—the throttle felt sluggish, and I could faintly hear knocking sounds, probably due to engine knocking. Switching back to 95-octane fixed the issue right away. This isn't something to take lightly; using the wrong fuel long-term can increase carbon buildup in the engine and shorten its lifespan, leading to expensive and troublesome repairs. I recommend making it a habit to glance at the sticker on the fuel cap before refueling—it clearly states the recommendation for 95-octane unleaded gasoline. It's a small step that ensures peace of mind and safety—don't risk major problems to save a little.
