The truth about octane rating: Should you run high octane fuel?

 

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QUESTIONS

Hi John,

I was fortunate enough to buy Kia Cerato Sport hatch approx. eight months ago.

Whilst the (user) manual and fuel lid states that the engine will run on E10 and 91 RON fuel, I am financially able to afford the extra 22 cents a litre and use 95 RON.

As I intend to keep the car for some time, i.e. seven or eight years, are there any long-term benefits by using this fuel, or am I simply wasting my money?

Thanks,

Wilson

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Hi there John,

I have a 1978 MGB with the B series 1800 straight four.

Just interested in the octane rating and the heat of the burn in the cylinder during the power strike. I would have thought the higher octane would have burned hotter. However, I've been advised it burns cooler. You being the smart dude you are, could you please explain?

Thanks in anticipation and no, there are not 970,594 people with the same name spelled the same way. This was my employee number when I started with Shell in the UK in 1976. Now happily residing in WA.

Regards,

Martyn970595

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