*** 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!
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.
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!
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.
Absolutely nothing.
New cars with knock sensors to adjust ignition timing can run on lower-octane fuel, but you lose power.
Gas grades typically refer to the octane rating, which measures the fuel's resistance to knocking. Higher octane gas is better suited for high-performance vehicles or those with turbocharged engines, as it can prevent engine knocking and improve overall performance. Lower octane gas is more cost-effective and suitable for regular commuter vehicles that do not require higher octane levels.
regular 89 or lower octane gas.
for any Volkswagen gas engine do not use anything lower than a 91 octane rating.
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.
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.)
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...
Using a higher octane than is recommended by Chevrolet, is not only a waste of money, but may actually harm your engine. No additional Power or MPG will result from using a higher octane fuel. That is a myth. Conversely using a lower octane will also harm you engine. So use Exactly what is listed in the owners manual.