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*** I have utilized this explanation in another specific area of WikiAnswers as well*** The higher the octane rating, the slower the fuel burns. Therefore, the lower the octane rating, the faster the fuel burns. Now at first this may sound like a bad thing, and many ask "Shouldn't a higher octane burn faster and be better for my car?" The answer is no. If you've ever heard a "ping" in your engine and someone has told you to get a higher octane fuel, that is because the ping is acutally from the explosion of gasoline in the engine. Gasoline should not explode, but rather it should burn as quickly as possible. A lower octane rating will burn faster, and under the right conditions actually explode, causing that undesireable ping. Upgrading to a higher will allow the fuel to burn slower, therefore not exploding. All in all, the higher the octane, the slower the fuel burns. Some people will insist on upgrading to a more "premium" fuel because it must be "better" for their car, when in all actuallity, the manufacturer of each car or truck has determined a specific octane recommendation for each car or truck based on the specifications of the engine in order to obtain the best possible fuel efficiency and performance. Straying from the recommendation can then potentially alter or lower efficiency or performance. A little lengthly of an explanation, but I find that the additional information helps explain the octane rating. Hope this helps!
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∙ 15y ago
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Pinging noise when it very hot outside?
Answer: Could be gas grade 86-91 octane, because it happens via temperature change. Gas is refined differently for the season's temperature. More than likely its the lower grade gas you are using.
What octane does a 1995 Toyota 4Runner need?
A 3vze engine will take anywhere from regular 87 octane, up to 100 octane race gas. However what is your purpose to using higher or lower octane, Using regular, plus, or premium will work well. however higher mile engines would prefer 91 octane!
Do you have to use 91 octane gas in a 1996 Cadillac Deville?
Use exactly what your owner's manual states. If it says 89 or 91 octane then do not use 87 octane. Using a lower octane that required may cause pre-detonation or what is commonly called (Pinging). Pinging may be harmful and may cause engine damage. Bottom line is to use no lower or higher octane fuel that the engine was designed to run on. Using a lower octane can cause engine damage, and using a higher octane is a waste of money that will provide not benefits whatsoever, and is nothing more than a myth.
What happens if you put 88 octane gas in a Mazda truck b-2500 rather then 87 octane gas?
Absolutely nothing.
What is the difference in gas grades?
The grades gasoline are the different octane ratings, the cheapest gas has the least octane. The lower the octane in the gasoline, the faster it will burn. High performance cars need high octane fuel.
Can you use 91 octane gas on a 93 octane gas car?
New cars with knock sensors to adjust ignition timing can run on lower-octane fuel, but you lose power.
Will copper lower gasoline octane?
Octane is a chemical in gasoline that causes it to burn well... copper won't do anything... octane is a natural gas... uh... what? no!
What type of gas is recommended for a 1997 civic lx?
regular 89 or lower octane gas.
What octane do you use for a 1984?
for any Volkswagen gas engine do not use anything lower than a 91 octane rating.
What would cause engine pinging in a 2006 silverado with only 27k miles?
It is probably spark knock from using a low octane gas. Try using a higher octane gas for awhile and see if it goes away. If it does then that is the problem. It will not hurt anything but it can be annoying. Lower octane gas burns faster and sometimes causes a pinging sound while accelerating. Some people say there valves are rattling but that is not the case.
Is 87 octane gas as good as 89 or 91 octane gas?
Probably, yes. Gasoline comes with different octane ratings because some engines require a higher octane to prevent pre-ignition ("pinging" under acceleration or on hills). Check your owner's manual. Also, you can experiment with lower-octane (and therefore less expensive) gasoline. If you do not experience pinging with 87 octane gas, then that is all you need.(Technically, a higher-octane gas burns slower than lesser-octane gas, but that is beyond the scope of this question.)
Does higher octane gasoline give you better gas mileage?
No. If your car runs well on a lower octane gasoline (i.e. no engine pinging or knocking), then putting a higher octane gas in your tank is just wasting money...
