Why is there no 93-octane gasoline now?
4 Answers
93-octane gasoline has been replaced by 92-octane gasoline. Here is the relevant information: 1. Regulations: Starting from 2013, some cities in China began implementing the fifth-stage national standard for vehicle gasoline, and it was fully implemented nationwide starting in 2017. The National IV 90#, 93#, and 97# gasoline grades were all adjusted to National V 89#, 92#, and 95#, with the addition of 98# gasoline. 2. Fuel composition: After the change to the new grades, the sulfur, olefin, and manganese content in the fuel were significantly reduced. This will effectively reduce vehicle exhaust emissions, prevent smog, and improve air quality. At the same time, it can also effectively improve the combustion performance of the fuel and extend the service life of the engine.
Yes, I've been driving for over a decade and noticed that 93-octane gasoline has really disappeared. This is mainly due to the upgrade in fuel standards. Previously, the Research Octane Number (RON) was used for grading, but to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, many places have now switched to numbers like 92 and 95, with no fundamental change in the actual fuel quality. I remember initially, some car owners worried that the new fuel might harm their engines, but my old car runs just as smoothly on 92-octane as it did before. The key is to follow the vehicle manual's recommendations and not switch arbitrarily. Additionally, gas station adjustments are made to align with national environmental policies, reducing emissions of harmful substances like benzene, which is better for air quality in the long run. If you miss the old fuel grades, it might be fun to reminisce about the days of refueling on late-night drives. In short, it's not that the fuel is gone—it's just that the labeling has changed. Just choose according to current standards, and you'll be fine.
From an environmental perspective, I think the phasing out of 93-octane gasoline is a good thing. In recent years, fuel standards have been continuously updated. For example, the China VI policy has driven fuel quality upgrades, with new grades like 92-octane focusing more on cleanliness and efficiency. The core objective is to reduce particulate emissions and combat air pollution. I often tell my friends that this change not only saves some money but also helps make urban skies bluer. By the way, the old 93-octane fuel was prone to causing carbon buildup in older vehicles, whereas the new fuel actually extends engine life. If you haven't tried 95-octane yet, giving it a shot might be worthwhile. Remember, while the gasoline labels have changed, the essence remains the same—the key is to refuel at reputable stations and avoid chasing cheap options.
Technically speaking, the octane rating measurement method has changed. The old 93-octane used the Research Octane Number (RON) single standard, but the industry now adopts an average value like (RON + Motor Octane Number)/2, resulting in a slight downward adjustment of the actual rating to make it easier for consumers to distinguish. For example, the old 93 equals the new 92, with the same fuel quality that won’t affect performance. My advice is to check the fuel pump or clarify with the attendant; I was a bit confused when the rating changed initially, but got used to it after seeing it a few more times. Additionally, fuel refining technology has also been optimized to better suit turbocharged engines, providing smoother performance. In short, it’s not gone, just more scientific.
