Why can Lynk & Co only use 95 octane gasoline?
2 Answers
According to the official vehicle manual recommendation, Lynk & Co vehicles should use 95 octane gasoline. In addition to checking the suitable gasoline grade in the vehicle manual, Lynk & Co owners can also find this information on the fuel tank cap, which will be clearly marked. Generally, 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 compression ratio between 10.0-11.5 should use 95 octane gasoline. However, with the application of new technologies, the gasoline grade cannot be solely determined by the compression ratio. High compression ratio engines can also be tuned to use lower octane gasoline because, besides the compression ratio, other factors such as ignition timing, turbocharging technology, and Atkinson cycle technology also play a role. 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 Lynk & Co vehicles occasionally use the wrong gasoline grade, simply switch back to the correct grade after the current tank is used 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 increase in octane number will change the fuel's ignition point, leading to delayed combustion in the engine. This means both the engine's power output and thermal efficiency will decrease, resulting in a noticeable drop in performance. For vehicles recommended to use higher octane gasoline, using lower octane gasoline can cause engine knocking. Because the octane number is too low, the gasoline's ignition point decreases and it may ignite prematurely during the compression stroke. If the fuel ignites before the spark plug fires during the compression stroke, resistance will occur during the upward stroke. This resistance makes the engine run very unstably. If the knocking is mild, it may only increase noise without significant damage to the engine. However, if the knocking is severe, it indicates serious engine conditions. The vibrations not only affect driving stability but can also cause abnormal wear on the pistons and cylinders, and in severe cases, even cylinder scoring.
Lynk & Co cars are recommended to use only 95-octane gasoline due to their unique engine design. I've studied automotive engineering principles, and Lynk & Co engines typically have a high compression ratio, which means higher combustion chamber pressure. If lower-octane fuel like 92 is used, it can easily cause knocking—abnormal combustion leading to increased noise, reduced power, and even long-term damage to pistons and valves. 95-octane gasoline has a higher octane rating, ensuring stable combustion and avoiding this risk, resulting in smoother and more efficient acceleration. I've also tested that the car is slightly more fuel-efficient with 95-octane, saving more on long-term maintenance. After all, engine repair costs are much higher than the price difference in fuel grades. So, always follow the manual—don’t cut corners with lower-grade fuel. Protecting the vehicle’s lifespan and driving experience is what matters most.
