Octane Rating
Octane rating is a measure of a gasoline's resistance to knock. The higher the rating, the greater the knock resistance. So just what is knock? It's that metallic ping you sometimes hear during hard acceleration or when a heavy load is being pulled up a steep hill.
Gasoline should burn smoothly in your engine, starting with the flame at the spark plug and progressing across the combustion chamber. However, under certain conditions — like a lower octane — gasoline can detonate prematurely. Today's engines have knock sensors to sense the onset of knock and a computerized engine management system that adjusts the spark timing. This computerized "detuning" of the engine can prevent knock in the first place. It's all well and good, except a detuned engine has less power, resulting in less efficient use of gasoline.
The best way to avoid knock and keep your engine running its best? Use the recommended level of octane for your vehicle.
Want to learn more?
Go to www.FuelCertification.com.
