High octane fuel prevents engine knock (premature ignition) in high compression engines. Most gasoline powered vehicles in the US do not have a high compression engine and do not benefit from higher octane.
That’s because some of those Kia engines are high compression. If it has a turbocharger, that increases the compression further because the turbocharger forces air into the cylinders under pressure.
You don’t technically have to use high octane fuel in those. The ECM (the engines computer) will adjust the timing to prevent premature detonation. However, doing so will diminish performance and fuel economy to the point where you’re not saving any money by buying cheaper fuel.
Still fascinated the US has not managed to ban < 95 octane rated gasoline.
High octane fuel prevents engine knock (premature ignition) in high compression engines. Most gasoline powered vehicles in the US do not have a high compression engine and do not benefit from higher octane.
Bought a Kia Optima 2016. Engine is built for 98 octane.
That’s because some of those Kia engines are high compression. If it has a turbocharger, that increases the compression further because the turbocharger forces air into the cylinders under pressure.
You don’t technically have to use high octane fuel in those. The ECM (the engines computer) will adjust the timing to prevent premature detonation. However, doing so will diminish performance and fuel economy to the point where you’re not saving any money by buying cheaper fuel.
That was very insightful, thank you!
This guy knows boost.
95 RON is about the US 91 octane.
Around my area, we typically have 87, 89, and 93. My cars run fine on any of them, but one of them recommends 91+.
TIL that octane != octane.
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They still sell 91 in Germany.
Idk, 95 is bad for my relatively new motorcycle