Why Can Lynk & Co Only Use 95 Octane Gasoline?
2 Answers
Because the official Lynk & Co vehicle manual recommends using only 95 octane gasoline. In addition to checking the appropriate gasoline grade in the vehicle manual, Lynk & Co owners can also find this information on the fuel tank cap, which will be clearly marked. Typically, the required gasoline 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, those between 10.0-11.5 should use 95 octane, and higher compression ratios may require 98 octane. However, with the application of new technologies, the compression ratio alone cannot determine the appropriate gasoline grade, as high compression ratios can be adjusted to use lower octane fuel. Other factors, such as ignition timing, turbocharging technology, and Atkinson cycle technology, also play a role. Generally, higher octane gasoline has a higher octane rating and better anti-knock properties. 92 octane gasoline contains 92% isooctane and 8% n-heptane, while 95 octane gasoline contains 95% isooctane and 5% n-heptane. If you accidentally use the wrong gasoline grade in a Lynk & Co, simply switch back to the correct grade after the current tank is used up. However, prolonged use of the wrong gasoline grade can have the following effects: For vehicles designed for lower octane fuel, using higher octane gasoline 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 gasoline 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, resistance builds up during the upward stroke. This resistance makes the engine run very unevenly. Mild knocking may only increase noise without noticeable engine damage, but severe knocking indicates serious engine issues, affecting driving stability and causing abnormal wear on pistons and cylinders, potentially leading to severe engine damage.
Some car enthusiasts asked me why Lynk & Co cars can only use 95-octane gasoline. Actually, this is related to their engine design. Most Lynk & Co vehicles are equipped with turbocharged engines that have a relatively high compression ratio. If lower-octane fuel like 92 is used, it can easily cause knocking issues. Knocking refers to the premature combustion of gasoline in the cylinders, which damages pistons and spark plugs, and over time, shortens the engine's lifespan. The manufacturer optimized these engines for 95-octane fuel during the design phase, as higher-octane gasoline has better anti-knock properties, ensuring smooth and powerful acceleration while also improving fuel efficiency. With over a decade of driving experience, I've seen many car owners try to save money by using the wrong fuel, only to end up with much higher repair costs later. So, even though 95-octane fuel is slightly more expensive, it's a wise choice for ensuring long-term engine reliability and avoiding the risk of breakdowns. In the long run, maintenance costs are actually lower.
