Gasoline 91 & 95: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the Octane Rating: Gasoline 91 vs. 95

If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between 91 and 95-octane gasoline, this article is for you! Many drivers across the world are unaware of the octane rating of gasoline and its importance when it comes to powering your car. The article discusses what the octane rating is, and how it will affect your engine.

What does the octane number mean?

The octane number, also known as the octane rating, is a measure of gasoline quality or performance. The higher the number, the more efficiently fuel burns in a vehicle’s engine. Higher octane fuels are required for high-performance vehicles. The fuel octane rating is about how much knock resistance the fuel has. It is about how it burns in a controlled way under pressure when it is heated. Fuels with higher octane levels, like 95 octanes, resist autoignition better than low-octane fuels.  

The Distinction Between Gasoline 91 and 95 

The difference between the 91 and 95 octanes is the 4% change in the octane levels. Octane 95 gasoline is more flammable and lighter than 91 gasoline. The internal combustion engine performs better with higher octane numbers. Besides quality, price is an important differentiator. Higher-octane-rated gasoline is typically more expensive than lower-rated gasoline. Any vehicle that runs on 91 octanes can run on 95 octanes, but not the other way around.

Related: Current Local Fuel Prices in Saudi Arabia

Which octane number should you use?

Before deciding what type of fuel to use in your vehicle, you should refer to your owner’s manual, or ask the dealer or manufacturer of your vehicle. The type of fuel you should use is usually printed on the inside of the fuel cap of most vehicles. When making the decision, a lot of different key factors go into choosing the right fuel for your vehicle. In most cases, fuels with a higher octane rating are commonly used in cars with high-compression engines that have higher performance requirements, like what is in race cars. Please always keep in mind that putting a lower octane fuel in an engine that requires higher octane levels can cause permanent damage to your vehicle.  

You have to use the optimum fuel for your vehicle to get the most horsepower and torque. If you are buying fuel for racing, or have a high combustible engine, then you need a higher percentage of octane in your fuel. Racers and car enthusiasts alike have to think about what goes in their tanks. If they put the wrong fuel in their car, it could have detrimental effects on their car’s engine and performance. The same exact thing can be said for our everyday cars too.  

Does higher octane fuel give you better fuel efficiency?

If you have a high-performance engine, like what you would see in a race car, then yes. If you need high performance and have the right equipment to use that boost, then it will do exceptionally well. Putting a higher octane fuel in an everyday car will not give it any extra power or performance because the engine isn’t made for it. You would pay extra money for no extraordinary output. 

What is the difference between gasoline and petrol?

Both “petrol” and “gasoline” are different names for the same fuel type required for an internal combustion engine to function. The term “petrol” is used in the United Kingdom (UK), India, and a few other countries; however, in the United States, the term ‘gasoline’ or ‘gas for short’ is used.

Conclusion

I hope now you understand what the difference is between gasoline 91 and gasoline 95. Both fuels are essentially made up of octane numbers and anti-knocking properties. If you’re unsure which type of fuel your car requires, be sure to ask your mechanic or check the owner’s manual.

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