What Type of Gasoline Should a Regular Car Use?
3 Answers
For cars with regular naturally aspirated engines, the fuel requirements are not very high. In general, using 92-octane gasoline can meet the engine's needs. Gasoline grades: Currently, there are mainly three types of gasoline available on the market: 92-octane, 95-octane, and 98-octane. These three types of gasoline differ in terms of anti-knock performance and price. 92-octane gasoline has the lowest anti-knock performance and the lowest price. 98-octane gasoline has the highest anti-knock performance and the highest price. 95-octane gasoline falls in the middle in terms of both anti-knock performance and price. Precautions for using gasoline: Different types of cars have different manufacturer-recommended gasoline grades. You should not use gasoline with a higher or lower octane rating than specified in the manual. For cars with regular naturally aspirated engines, the fuel requirements are not very high, and 92-octane gasoline is generally sufficient. Turbocharged or high-compression ratio cars are better suited for 95-octane gasoline, while high-end luxury or high-performance cars have higher fuel quality requirements and thus require 98-octane gasoline.
When I first bought a car, I was also confused about what fuel to use. Later, I asked a mechanic friend and learned that most regular household cars use gasoline—don’t accidentally fill up with diesel, or the engine might be ruined. Generally, 92 or 95 octane gasoline is sufficient, but check your car’s manual for specifics. For example, my small sedan recommends 92 octane, and I’ve stuck with it—it runs just fine. Using lower-octane fuel can cause engine knocking, while higher-octane is a waste of money unless required. Always go to reputable gas stations and avoid cheap, low-quality fuel, as it can clog fuel injectors and lead to costly repairs over time. The fuel filler cap usually has a label saying "Unleaded Gasoline" or similar—just glance at it when opening. Regular maintenance also helps improve fuel efficiency.
With nearly thirty years of driving experience, I've learned that refueling a regular car may seem trivial, but it impacts both safety and your wallet. Prioritize using 92-octane gasoline, which is the standard fuel for most ordinary family cars—engines with low compression ratios run smoothly on it. Accidentally filling up with diesel or a lower octane rating can lead to reduced power at best or piston damage at worst, costing thousands in repairs. I recommend making it a habit to check the label inside the fuel tank cap before each refueling; it usually specifies the acceptable fuel grade range. Also, never overlook fuel quality—opt for reputable stations like Sinopec and avoid small vendors, as impure fuel can cause exhaust issues and severe engine vibration. In winter, pay extra attention to antifreeze measures.
