What does high-octane mean in gas?

Answer by  LeheckaG (1826)

"High-octane" means that blend of gasoline will not auto-ignite or knock as readily as a lower-octane blend of gasoline. Technically, an "octane rating of 90" means that blend of gasoline has similar anti-knock properties as a blend of 90% iso-octane and 10% heptane. RON/Research-Octane-Number & MON/Motor-Octane-Number are two different means of measuring octane-rating, usually the published-"octane-rating" is an average: (R+M)/2.

Answer by  Alex (23)

"High-Octane" describes how resistive a fuel is to premature ignition during the stages of a 4 stroke internal combustion. The lower number means greater likely hood of premature ignition.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

Octane refers to the potential energy rating of the gas itself. Essentially the higher the octane rating is the better it will combust in the engine. Cars with a higher compression means that a lower octane gas could cause a premature detonation or engine "ping". Always use the octane level recommended by the manufacture for best performance.

Answer by  ilango (226)

high octane rating is originally the measurement ofrestance of gasonline to ther fuels to engine knocking that means detonation in the piston head. diesel engine it requires high detonation when compare to other engine. so the iso octane is mixed with fuel and make good fuel to save from detonation.

Answer by  Liz59 (10966)

High octane means that a lot of fuel can be compressed before the engine will start. This usually just means that more fuel can be processed well before it ignites.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

Well the octane rating basically describes the flammability of the fuel itself. Engines with higher compression ratios require a higher octane rating to prevent detonation under load. The more flammable fuel will prevent pre-ignition. Always use the octane rated fuel recommended by the manufacturer for long engine life.

Answer by  Shelby32 (16)

High-octane is a quality gas which is more difficult to ignite but it's more powerful.When the fuel is more difficult to burn, early ignition is eliminated.

Answer by  embockjr (709)

It as to do with the chemistry of gasoline. Importantly, the higher the octane number, the greater the antiknock properties of the fuel.

Answer by  icecreamman940 (82)

High octane gas is a higher performance gas that prevents engine knocking and pinging. There are usually three levels of gasoline; regular (usually 87 octane), mid-grade (usually 89 octane) and premium (usually 92 or 93). Occasional engine knock and ping is fine. If your car makes a knocking noise or hesitates, try the next highest level of octane.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

Basically the octane rating describes the ability of gas to combust in the engine. The higher the rating the more easily it burn. Engine with more performance demand require a gas with a higher octane rating to eliminate problems under stress.