Have you ever wondered what exactly fuel octane is and how important it is for your vehicle's performance? In this post, we will explore the concept of octane and why it plays a key role in efficient engine operation. Let's go!
What is Octane?
Octane is a measure of a fuel's resistance to detonation in internal combustion engines. In simple terms, it indicates the fuel's ability to resist premature ignition.
In other words, octane is a measure that evaluates the fuel's resistance to detonation in internal combustion engines. Detonation is an unwanted phenomenon in which the air/fuel mixture ignites before the ideal moment, resulting in knocks and noises that harm engine performance.
How is Octane Rating Classified?
The octane rating is expressed by a number, usually identified as “octane number” or simply “octane”. The higher the number, the greater the fuel's resistance to detonation.
The two most common classification methods are RON (Research Octane Number) and MON (Motor Octane Number). The octane rating displayed at gas stations is usually the average of these two values, known as MON/RON.
Understanding Octane Numbers:
Measuring octane involves comparing the behavior of a fuel in a test engine against the behavior of a standard mixture of iso-octane and heptane. Iso-octane has high octane and heptane has low octane.
- Low Octane (Up to 87): Low octane fuels are more prone to detonation, especially in high compression engines. Improper use of low octane can result in loss of performance, engine knocking and even damage.
- Average Octane (88-92): Medium octane fuels serve most conventional vehicles. They provide good combustion in standard engines, avoiding detonation problems.
- High Octane (93 and above): High-octane fuels are recommended for high-performance engines, especially in sports vehicles and with electronic injection remapping. They offer superior resistance to detonation.
Common Types of Fuels and Their Octane Rating
- Diesel S-10 and S-500: These diesel variations refer to the amount of sulfur present in the fuel (10 and 500 parts per million, respectively). While the S10 diesel has an octane rating equal to 48, the S500 diesel has an octane rating equal to 42. In other words, Diesel S-10 is cleaner and has a higher octane rating, which can be advantageous for remap engines, providing a more efficient burn.
- Common Gasoline: Available at gas stations, regular gasoline has a standard octane rating, generally between 87. It is the most common choice for conventional vehicles, but for those with a remap, opting for premium gasoline can be a strategic decision.
- Premium or Additivated Gasoline: With a higher octane rating (generally between 95 and 97), premium gasoline is ideal for remap engines. This choice minimizes the risk of detonation and maximizes the benefits of reprogramming, providing more consistent performance.
- Common Ethanol: Widely used in flex-fuel vehicles, ethanol has a naturally high octane rating (around 110). For vehicles with remap, this high octane is an advantage, contributing to a more efficient burn and a more agile engine response.
How important is octane?
- Detonation Prevention: Choosing the appropriate octane rating helps prevent premature detonation, ensuring controlled and efficient fuel burning.
- Optimized Performance: High-performance engines, especially those with remap, can significantly benefit from higher octane fuels, providing optimized performance.
- Fuel Economy: In some cases, more efficient engines can achieve better fuel economy by using higher octane fuels, but generally higher octane fuels offer greater power and are consumed faster. This is why regular gasoline is more economical than ethanol.
Choosing the Suitable Fuel:
- Conventional Vehicles: Regular gasoline meets the needs of most conventional vehicles.
- High Performance Vehicles: For high compression or advanced performance engines, premium gasoline or ethanol blends may be more suitable.
- Diesel: The choice between diesel S10 and S500 depends on engine compatibility and environmental regulations.
Regardless of the fuel chosen, regular vehicle maintenance is essential to ensure optimal performance. At Strike Brasil, we understand the importance of octane to ensure the best performance of your vehicle, especially after remap.
If you have questions about the appropriate octane rating for your car, consult our experts to ensure you make a smart choice when refueling. Choose the right fuel and enjoy smoother, more efficient and more powerful driving!
How to improve your vehicle's performance with Strike Brasil?
By understanding octane, you can make informed choices about the fuel best suited for your vehicle. The correct choice not only optimizes performance, but also contributes to engine durability. Stay aware of octane and enjoy a smooth, efficient drive.
A Strike Brasil, without a doubt, is the reference company in automotive performance throughout Latin America, and has been working increasingly to reach higher levels and expand its operations. Contact us today and find out how we can transform your driving experience.
Currently, we develop our own products and services, through studies, research and exclusive technology, ensuring the uniqueness of each of them. With the completion of the remap (electronic injection reprogramming), diesel vehicles present a significant improvement in performance and economy.
Count on who is the greatest authority on Remap in Latin America, Strike Brasil, which has more than 50 units spread across Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Ecuador, Guatemala and Texas in the USA. We have already surpassed the mark of 20 thousand reprogrammed vehicles.
To find out if your truck, agricultural machine, truck or bus can receive the remap service from Strike Brasil. Click here and speak to our customer service team via WhatsApp and answer all your questions about remap.
