Saving a few rubles per liter of gasoline can result in a major overhaul of the power unit for owners of modern foreign cars. Technical experts warn drivers against using AI-92 fuel in cars designed for AI-95 and higher.
As the technical trainer of the Fit Service network Sergei Ponomarev explained, the main danger is detonation. Due to the higher compression ratio in modern engines, low-octane fuel provokes premature micro-explosions in the combustion chamber. The resulting shock waves gradually destroy the cylinder walls, piston group and crankshaft, which leads to scuffing, erosion of the piston head and even burnout of the pistons.
Many car enthusiasts mistakenly rely on the electronic control unit (ECU), which adjusts the ignition angle using a knock sensor. However, experts warn: this is not a solution, but a forced emergency mode, the so-called “ignition rollback.” As a result, the mixture ignites later, which leads to a noticeable loss of power and an increase in fuel consumption by 5-7%. Thus, the imaginary savings at refueling are completely offset by excessive consumption of gasoline.
This practice is especially dangerous for turbocharged engines. Increased pressure and air temperature in the intake manifold make them more sensitive to detonation, which greatly accelerates the wear of the cylinder-piston group and the turbocharger itself.
Experts insist that the manufacturer’s recommendations for fuel octane number are a strict technical requirement, not advice. Neglecting them in an attempt to save money can ultimately lead to extremely expensive engine repairs.
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