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Is Using 98-Octane Petrol Better for My Car?

10 August 2022 AutoMarket, Tips & Advice

We all know that without petrol, your car simply would not run. However, when it comes to filling up at the petrol station, some drivers may be concerned about which type of petrol is better for their car – especially if they are driving a new car or just learning the ropes of driving a car.

Is using 98-octane petrol better for my car?

The octane rating of gasoline determines how well it resists knocking or pinging when it is used. Lower octane fuels are intended to burn or combust more quickly. Whereas on the other hand higher octane fuels, are designed to burn more slowly and uniformly over a longer period. Lower octane fuels (such as Gasoline) have a higher proclivity to pre-ignite (knock or ping) - because they burn slower. High octane fuels are more resistant to pre-ignition. Slower-burning fuel can cause pre-ignition, which can lead to piston damage in the long run.

Most modern vehicles, on the other hand, are programmed to run on low- or mid-octane fuel, so pre-ignition, knock, or ping are not a concern when using the recommended fuel by the manufacturer.

Is it better to use high-octane fuel in a regular car?

Not necessarily – it will not increase the performance or power of your vehicle (if that is what you are looking for). If your car doesn’t ping on the fuel that your manufacturer recommends, then there is no need to look for a higher-octane fuel.

Does high-octane fuel mean better quality?

Again, for the most part, no. High octane fuel is no better than regular fuel at preventing or removing engine deposits. Indeed, as mandated by the government, all gasoline octane grades must contain a detergent additive to prevent the build-up of engine deposits. This is also a component of environmental protection.

Who should be using high-octane petrol?

Turbocharger or supercharger-equipped vehicles, as well as vehicles with high-compression engines, may require high-octane fuel to perform optimally. Because high-octane fuel is not always available, such engines are outfitted with sensors that retard the ignition timing so that they can run on low-octane fuel without the engine knocking. However, there will be some degradation in output quality.

When an engine is old and has already started to ping and knock when using the fuel, it was designed for, you can try using a high-octane fuel to avoid pre-ignition. Some car enthusiasts tinker and modify their vehicles because their engines ping and knock on anything less than high-octane fuel.

What happens if I put the wrong kind of fuel in my car?

Avoid starting your engine and instead, call a mechanic or your car manufacturer’s hotline. If you use the wrong fuel, the engine may knock or ping, causing damage to the fuel lines and the engine itself. As a result, you should refrain from driving until the tank has been completely emptied.

 

The type of petrol you should use is entirely dependent on the vehicle that you drive – as some engines are only compatible with specific types of fuel. Make sure that you check the owner’s manual or the fuel cap to determine which type is the best fit for you. Using the wrong fuel can cause severe engine damage – which may be irreversible and cost you a lot of money in the future.

 

Everything we do at Motor Matcher is designed to help consumers make informed decisions about automobile purchases and sales by providing them with useful resources and comprehensive information. We make it easier for people to compare new and used cars online, and we do so in a way that is both convenient for consumers and secure for sellers.

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