Gasoline 95 or 98: Myths, Truths, and What You Really Need!
Introduction: What is Octane Number? When you pull up to the gas station, you face two choices: gasoline with 95 or 98 octane. But what does that actually mean? The octane number shows how resistant the fuel is to premature ignition in the engine. Gasoline with 95 octane can detonate earlier under heavy load, while 98 resists this better. But does that mean 98 is always better? Absolutely not!
Most Drivers Still Choose 95 — and That Makes Sense! Most cars in Europe are designed to run on 95 octane fuel. This fuel suits most engines. 98 is reserved for exclusive vehicles, sports cars, and supercars. If your manufacturer doesn’t say otherwise, filling up with 98 won’t give you magical power or better driving.
The Myth of More Power and a Cleaner Engine How many times have you heard that higher octane gasoline gives more power? The truth is — only if the engine is tuned for it. If not, you won’t notice a difference. Andrus Siver, aftersales director at Autobon Baltic, says he personally doesn’t notice a difference driving his Alfa Romeo Stelvio.
Another myth is that 98 cleans the engine. Nope, it doesn’t! Engine cleanliness is maintained by additives in the fuel, not the octane number. So don’t waste money on 98 thinking it will clean your engine.
Special Cases: When is 98 Necessary? Some engines, especially those operating under extreme conditions, require 98 octane. Also, 98 gasoline often comes as E0, meaning it contains no bio-components. This is important for garden equipment or vehicles that sit unused for long periods, as bio-components can be harmful in such cases.
Conclusion: Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions and Don’t Get Fooled by Marketing! If your car requires 95, fill it with 95. If it requires 98, that’s a different story. There’s no universal answer, but one thing is clear — you don’t need to spend extra money on expensive gasoline if your engine doesn’t use it.
So, have you ever fallen for the myth of better gasoline? Or maybe noticed a difference? Share your experience, let’s laugh or be amazed together!
