As an automotive expert with a background in mechanical engineering, I can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what happens when you put 93 octane gasoline instead of 87 octane in your car.

Firstly, it's important to understand the concept of octane ratings. The octane rating of gasoline is a measure of its resistance to knocking or pinging during combustion. Higher octane fuels are less likely to detonate or "knock" under high compression, which is beneficial for high-performance engines that operate under high compression ratios.

When you put 93 octane gasoline in a car that is designed to run on 87 octane, several things can happen:


1. Engine Performance: If your engine is designed to burn 87 octane, it means that it has a specific compression ratio and ignition timing that are optimized for that type of fuel. Using a higher octane fuel like 93 will not necessarily improve performance. In fact, the engine may not be able to burn the higher octane fuel as efficiently, which could lead to a decrease in power output.


2. Knocking: The primary purpose of higher octane fuels is to prevent knocking in engines that are prone to it. If your engine is not prone to knocking, using a higher octane fuel will not have a significant effect on reducing knocking sounds.


3. Fuel Economy: Using 93 octane in an engine designed for 87 can actually lead to worse fuel economy. This is because the engine is not optimized to take full advantage of the higher octane fuel. The inability to burn the fuel correctly can lead to incomplete combustion, which in turn requires more fuel to maintain the same level of performance.


4. Engine Damage: While using a higher octane fuel is generally not harmful to your engine, there are some cases where it can cause issues. For example, if the higher octane fuel causes the engine to run too lean (not enough fuel relative to air), it can lead to increased engine knocking and potentially damage the engine over time.


5. Emissions: Using the wrong type of fuel can also affect your vehicle's emissions. Higher octane fuels may not burn as completely, leading to increased emissions of carbon monoxide and other pollutants.


6. Legal and Warranty Concerns: It's also important to consider the legal implications and warranty issues. Using a fuel that is not recommended by the manufacturer could void your vehicle's warranty and potentially lead to legal issues if emissions standards are not met.

In conclusion, while 93 octane gasoline is generally safe to use in any car, it is not always beneficial and can sometimes lead to decreased performance and fuel economy. It's always best to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the type of fuel to use in your vehicle.

read more >>

If your car is designed to burn 87, it will not burn 93 correctly. Third, your gas mileage will suffer. The inability of your engine to burn the higher octane gas correctly will cause your engine to produce less power and thus will require more fuel to perform at the same level.read more >>