Will Using Lower Octane Gasoline Reduce Engine Power?
3 Answers
Using lower octane gasoline can indeed reduce engine power. To some extent, it may also increase fuel consumption and affect the engine's normal performance. This is because gasoline comes with different octane ratings, which indicate varying anti-knock properties. Higher octane numbers represent better anti-knock capabilities. If a high-compression engine uses low-octane fuel, the mismatch can cause engine damage. The engine's operating condition may be adversely affected, disrupting fuel combustion control. In mild cases, this leads to reduced power output and potentially increased engine noise. Severe cases may trigger engine knocking, damaging internal components and spark plugs. The optimal method to maintain engine performance is using the manufacturer-recommended fuel grade while cultivating good driving habits, ensuring proper engine operation.
Last time I drove long distance, after filling up with 92-octane gasoline, I really felt the car's acceleration was somewhat sluggish, especially noticeable when going uphill. We experienced drivers know best about fuel quality differences. Lower-octane gasoline has poorer anti-knock properties, and engines with high compression ratios are prone to knocking. The engine control unit detects knocking and automatically retards ignition timing, resulting in weaker torque output. This might not be obvious during city commuting, but you'll notice significantly slower power response during highway overtaking or hill climbing. Once I used three consecutive tanks of 92-octane fuel, and my fuel consumption actually increased by 0.8 points. Now I always insist on using 95-octane - the power response is much quicker, and the cost per kilometer works out to be about the same.
The main difference in gasoline grades lies in the octane rating, which directly affects engine combustion efficiency. My turbocharged car's manual specifies a minimum requirement of 95 octane. Once, at a remote gas station, I filled up with 92 octane, and the engine noticeably struggled when I stepped hard on the accelerator. The mechanic explained that lower-octane fuel can cause pre-ignition, forcing the ECU to reduce boost pressure to protect the engine, naturally resulting in reduced power. Now, I always check the octane rating before refueling, especially when driving on mountain roads where higher-octane fuel is a must. Additionally, I've noticed that even with the same octane rating, fuel from different brands can vary, with power performance differing by about 5%.
