Alright so I think it's time I start spreading the word out
there, higher octane DOES NOT necessarily equal better performance NOR is it
always equal to treating your car's engine! Use what your vehicle is rated for
in its owner's manual.
What Is Octane Used For?
Long story short, it is used to prevent fuel from igniting
too early and at the wrong time. Due to sophisticated engine technology
nowadays, some are designed to operate under higher compression in order to get
more power. A problem then arises, when the fuel is compressed too much it may
ignite itself too early. When it ignites at the wrong time, you end up with a
variety of problems such as blown pistons, "pinging" noises, and bent
or even melted valves inside the engine! For those less technically inclined,
it means major bad news! The higher the compression of an engine, the higher
the octane it requires in order to resist unintended ignition.
What Happens When You Put A Higher Octane Than Required?
Very likely you will get LOWER performance, because it is
now harder to ignite the fuel since high octane fuel is designed to operate in
a higher compression situation. You may feel like your engine is smoother, but
that's because the ignition isn't as powerful as it should be. To add insult to
injury, your electrical system takes a toll because the car's computer has to
force the spark plugs to work harder to make that ignition happen, by sending
more electricity to the spark plugs. Oh and of course, your wallet suffers too
because it means you spent a whole lot of extra money for nothing.
But Isn't Higher Octane Fuel "Cleaner"?
Reality is, all grades of fuel have enough additives to keep
your engine clean based on standards set by the Canadian General Standards
Board (CGSB). If you are in the States, the same holds true due to requirements
by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Basically, there is no need for
"cleaner" fuel and what you should be concerned about is not whether
it cleans, instead you should be concerned about whether it has the octane
rating you need given the compression of your engine to prevent damage (see
your owner's manual).
Please don't buy into those marketing hype folks, it truly
is a waste of money! Still not convinced? Want a legitimate source? Here you go
-TT
