For some people, mixing different types of gasoline may already be a habit. Sometimes the reason is because the gasoline stock at gas stations is limited, sometimes it is also to save money. But, have you ever thought that mixing gasoline with different octane ratings (RON) can have a big impact on your car engine?

Why is RON Important?

RON, or Research Octane Number, is a measure of how resistant gasoline is to knocking, also known as "engine knocking." Knocking occurs when gasoline burns faster than it should in the combustion chamber, causing the engine to be noisy, lose power, and even damage components.

The higher the RON, the more resistant the fuel is to knocking. Typically, cars with high engine compression require high-octane gasoline to maintain maximum performance.

The Effects of Mixing Gasoline

1. Less Efficient Combustion

If the gasoline used is lower than recommended, the engine may experience premature combustion. This results in sluggish acceleration and less responsive handling.

2. Knocking

Mixing low RON gasoline in a high-compression engine can cause continuous knocking. This causes the pistons, spark plugs, and cylinders to wear out quickly.

3. Decreased Fuel Efficiency

Using the wrong gasoline makes the engine work harder. Fuel consumption becomes wasteful, and the distance traveled per liter decreases.

4. Long-Term Risks

In addition to disrupting daily performance, incomplete combustion causes carbon residue to accumulate in the combustion chamber. Eventually, the injectors become clogged, the valves become dirty, and exhaust emissions increase. If left unchecked, the engine can overheat and break down.

So, What Should You Do?  

If you want your car to last longer and maintain consistent performance, follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding fuel. If you must switch fuel types, do so gradually and monitor the engine's response. Remember, saving money initially doesn't necessarily mean saving in the long run if it causes the engine to deteriorate quickly.

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Campur Bensin RON Berbeda, Aman Nggak Sih Buat Mesin Mobil?

Bagi sebagian orang, isi bensin campur-campur mungkin sudah jadi kebiasaan. Kadang alasannya karena stok bensin di SPBU terbatas, kadang juga demi alasan kantong lebih hemat. Tapi, pernah kepikiran nggak kalau sebenarnya mencampur bensin dengan angka oktan (RON) berbeda bisa pengaruh besar ke mesin mobil?

Kenapa RON Itu Penting?

RON alias Research Octane Number adalah ukuran seberapa tahan bensin terhadap gejala knocking alias “mesin ngelitik”. Knocking ini terjadi saat bensin terbakar lebih cepat dari seharusnya di ruang bakar, bikin mesin berisik, tenaga drop, bahkan bisa merusak komponen.

Semakin tinggi angka RON, semakin kuat bahan bakar menahan knocking. Biasanya, mobil dengan kompresi mesin tinggi wajib minum bensin beroktan tinggi biar performa tetap maksimal.

Dampak Campur-Campur Bensin

1. Pembakaran Kurang Efisien

Kalau bensin yang dipakai lebih rendah dari rekomendasi, mesin bisa mengalami premature combustion alias pembakaran lebih cepat. Efeknya, tarikan jadi loyo dan akselerasi kurang responsif.

2. Knocking Mengintai

Campur bensin dengan RON rendah di mesin berkompresi tinggi bisa memicu knocking terus-menerus. Ini bikin piston, busi, dan silinder cepat aus.

3. Efisiensi BBM Turun

Bensin yang nggak sesuai bikin mesin kerja lebih keras. Konsumsi BBM malah boros, jarak tempuh per liter juga jadi berkurang.

4. Resiko Jangka Panjang

Selain performa harian yang terganggu, pembakaran nggak sempurna bikin residu karbon numpuk di ruang bakar. Akhirnya injektor mampet, klep kotor, dan emisi gas buang naik. Kalau dibiarkan, mesin bisa overheat sampai jebol.

Jadi, Harus Gimana?

Kalau mau mobil awet dan performa selalu mantap, ikutin rekomendasi pabrikan soal bahan bakar. Kalau terpaksa ganti jenis BBM, lakukan bertahap dan perhatikan respons mesin. Ingat, irit di awal belum tentu hemat di akhir kalau bikin mesin cepat rusak.