Despite the change in the labeling of fuels, no one calls 95 gasoline E5 or 98 gasoline E10. For now, everyone maintains the designation “lifelong” and we still hear many comments (this week, without going further) of the type “my car runs much better with 98 gasoline” or even “it makes up for the difference in price because my car uses much less than with 95 gasoline.”
Is that true or the fact of paying more makes us run more (and gives us the feeling that the car runs more) or do we hold back more with the accelerator, that is why we have paid more and that is why the car consumes less? You will also hear that, disregarding the difference in cost, you will get better performance and theoretically better mechanical durability, since the fuel is chemically better. All of this is highly debatable.
The most notable difference and that we can all certify when we approach a service station is the price.
There is around a 14% extra cost, which is a very high amount. It is justified? Worth? Well, as a good Galician, I will answer that it depends. It is better to inform yourself about the benefits of using one fuel over another and if it can compensate you.
Difference between gasoline 95 and 98
Between one fuel and another there is a 3 octane difference. When we talk about octane number referred to a fuel, we refer to its resistance to self-detonationto self-ignition, which is higher in 98 octane gasoline.
When the gasoline reaches the combustion chamber, where it is mixed with air at a very high pressure, in a very short time (compression phase), it must be ignited, by means of the spark from the spark plug, at the precise moment. 98 gasoline is better for that because of its higher octane rating, but then each mechanic has been thought of differently, with different compression ratios, which is a number that allows us to measure the proportion by volume in which the mixture of air and fuel in the engine has been compressed. This figure indicates the degree of use of the energy of the fuel.
If you hear of a very high compression engine (always referring to gasoline engines), it is very likely that you must use 98 octane gasoline. Using one with a lower octane rating could cause it to explode prematurely and cause improper combustion.
Does 95 gasoline pollute more?
gasoline has sulfur, a dangerous component for the environment. Its percentage is higher in 95 gasoline, which is why it is currently the minimum rate that is allowed in Europe. It is the most used… because of its price, as well as having other advantages, such as facilitating cold start or its lower weight, being less dense.
The European Union approved in 2013 the Directive 98/70/EC, which seeks to increase the quality of gasoline and diesel. So it was decided to ban 95 octane gasoline. Yes, a fuel used by 3.5 million vehicles in Spain… and for which they have no other alternative. There have been several extensions. The first extended its sale until 2016, the second until December 31, 2018… and the third until the end of 2019, just one more year. It remains to be seen if this grace period is extended.
What is the best type of gasoline for the car?
To know which is the best gasoline for your car, you must read the car manual. A team of engineers has developed the engine for a specific fuel. Our advice is that unless the manufacturer expressly recommends 98 octane gasoline or prohibits 95 octane (this was the case with old FSI engines), the most sensible and economical thing to do is to use 95 octane gasoline.
And if I make a mistake refueling?
Normally all gasoline-powered cars accept both types of fuel, although the manufacturer always recommends one or the other depending on the characteristics of the engine. All cars manufactured before the year 2000 They use 95 gasoline, and those sold after that date can use 95 or 98 gasoline interchangeably…. or only gasoline 98. Knowing this:
- All the cars that recommend gasoline 95 They can carry 98 without the mechanics suffering any damage (what you can notice is that you lose some power, although the difference, unless you drive a sports car, is almost negligible).
- Now if your car recommend gasoline 98 (it happens in high-performance models, such as sports cars), we do not advise you to add 95. In this case, not only will power decrease, but it is possible that you will spend even more fuel. You will also cause the mechanics to suffer unnecessarily… and in a high-priced car.
Of course, better not to mix them:
Is it possible to notice any changes? Yes, but especially in naturally aspirated engines or those with high performance, thanks to the high compression ratios. That is why owners of old cars (when the turbo had not been popularized) assure that it shows in their cars. But in current cars, except high-performance ones), in which the manufacturer advises using 95 octane gasoline, you will not notice a difference when using 98 octane gasoline.
Sources: DGT, Wikipedia, Geoportal gas stations
