Is it true that the higher the octane rating, the better the gas?

If you're a car enthusiast, then you probably already know what octane rating is all about. It is your fuel's ability to prevent engine knock - a condition that can severely damage your engine. It's also likely that you have heard that the higher the octane rating, the better the gas. But, is that really true?

Let's get this straight first: octane rating has nothing to do with the speed or energy of combustion, nor does it affect the heat of combustion. These are simply misconceptions that many scientifically illiterate people believe in.

What octane rating really does is increase the fuel's knock resistance, allowing it to burn in a more controlled way under pressure and heat. This is especially important for high-performance engines that operate at high RPMs and throttle inputs. The autoignition caused by low octane fuel can lead to knock, which can severely damage the engine.

That said, it's important to use the octane rating that your car manufacturer recommends. These experts have already engineered your car to operate best with a specific octane rating, and going below that rating can damage your engine. If you have a performance chip, you can use fuel with a higher octane rating, because performance chips can advance the timing.

Using a higher octane rating than recommended is okay, but it will cost you more money. And, contrary to popular belief, it doesn't necessarily lead to better performance or more power. If your car isn't optimised for high octane fuel, using it won't have any noticeable impact on your engine's performance. So, don't fall into the trap of buying more expensive fuel in the hopes of getting more out of your engine.

However, if your engine is optimised for high octane fuel, then using it can actually lead to a peak power increase. The higher knock resistance allows the designers to increase compression and add ignition advance, resulting in more power output.

In summary, the higher octane rating doesn't necessarily mean better gas. It all depends on the engine's design and recommended octane rating. Using the right octane rating is crucial in preventing engine knock and ensuring your car runs smoothly. Don't waste your money on higher octane fuel if your engine isn't designed for it, but if it is, go ahead and enjoy the extra power.