RON97 is only for big engines, and can damage the Axia’s engine? RON95 vs RON97 myths explained

Recently, a popular topic of discussion among Malaysians started trending once again, and no, we’re not talking about the haze. In fact, we’re referring to the matter of using RON 95 versus RON 97, and the effects it has on your vehicle.

Specifically, in a viral video posted by YouTube channel ML Studios, it was claimed that lower RON fuels are more suited to smaller displacement engines like that found in the Perodua Axia, while engines of larger capacities use higher RON fuels.

The idea being put forth here is that using higher RON petrol in a relatively small engine will require it to “work twice as hard,” causing it to be “overworked,” resulting in more frequent repairs or servicing. On the flip side, the presenter in the video adds that using a lower RON petrol in a larger discplaceement engine will cause knocking, or premature combustion.

Well, we’ve prepared this video to try and clear the air on the matter, touching on a few technical aspects to quell any doubts that may be swirling around in your mind. The fact of the matter is, there is no correlation between a fuel’s RON rating and the capacity of engine it is used in, and one should always follow what is stipulated in the owner’s manual.

If you would like to know more about this topic, we’ve written a lengthy piece with a lot more details, which you can check out here. Always remember, it’s fine to go above the manufacturer recommend minimum RON if you’re comfortable with paying the premium, but never below it. Happy motoring.

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • Just follow the manufacturer’s recommended specifications

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • Diss-illusions on Sep 20, 2019 at 10:20 am

    Wow.. 2 postings in a week just to address the 95/97 FB video? Am I sensing something more than just ‘relaying correct information’ to the public?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Terbaik team PT. Content osem dan bernas.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • my experience on Sep 20, 2019 at 10:28 am

    I pumped ron 97 in my iswara 1.3 and 1984 charade g10 1.0 engine for 16 yrs on now, no engine issue at all. I dont know what to say for those who have issue. Either u have issue with ur heavy foot and attitude of driving and always push ur car to the limit most of time, of cos engine wouldnt last long.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1
  • megat on Sep 20, 2019 at 11:34 am

    Ron 97 + Iridium spark plugs =Thumbs up x2!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 3
  • redpilled on Sep 20, 2019 at 12:31 pm

    My rule of thumb-
    Engines with 10:1 compression ratio, use RON95. Between 10.5-10.8:1, use RON97. Anything above that, use RON99 or higher.
    If in doubt, refer to owner’s manual.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 16
  • Not Toyota Fan on Sep 20, 2019 at 1:04 pm

    RON 95 is already regarded as Premium fuel in many countries. For them, RON 91/92 is the standard fuel.

    But then, most countries have already moved on from Euro2 emissions standard. But let’s not bring Euro emissions standards into the mix as it’ll confuse the heck out of Boleh-Landers.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • John Doe on Sep 20, 2019 at 1:24 pm

    As technology advances engine compression ratios increases resulting in higher efficiency.
    The education should be on Ron vs compression ratio, followed by compression ratio for common models in Malaysia.
    What this study will reveal is two critical information,
    1) Proton and Perodua’s technological advancement in engine design in comparison competitors from premium and non-premium market- in terms of combustion ratio.

    2) Indication of whether Ron95 is obsoleting due to changes a)technology b)market

    I’m inclined to view that while most advanced engines have higher combustion ratio from the premium market requiring to operate with Ron97, the low end market will still require ron95 for the next 10 years atleast.

    What i’m really interested in knowing is, Proton X70’s combustion ratio and suitability for Ron95 and Ron97.

    So long we do not include combustion ratio into the equation, any elaboration is completely pointless. IMHO.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 4
    • Jawn Doh on Sep 20, 2019 at 5:50 pm

      Err….your study will be a money wasting scam like 1MDB coz what u really wanted to know is X70 COMBUSTION ratio.

      Study harder esp in the ‘tuning’ chapter.

      From the way u put it,almost all BMW and Merc in My falls under low end market which made having RON97 is pointless and too elaborate.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 4
      • John Doe on Sep 22, 2019 at 4:19 pm

        Premium european makes such as Merc is adaptive, they can tolerate lower Ron doesnt mean they should operate with Ron95. You can throw in Ron92 and they will operate below the optimum level. We cant say the same for X70, as it will be catastrophic, why?

        What do you know about tuning? and which aspect of tuning are you bringing into this topic? Tuning is only required when you create new operating parameters out of the intended design, the same logic applies you can tune all you want with a proton satria but youre not going to turn it into an M3. So what tuning are you talking about? were you trying to say engineering instead? it would make alot more sense if that is the case.

        Im not even going to touch on 1MDB, are you mad? this is Paultan comments section, not zerotohundred or any random political hate site, so please be more civilized.

        FYI, im an engineer by practise and I work for a turbo manufacturer in the UK. Ill be more than happy to educate you about combustion ration, but you should atleast know the difference between tuning and engineering, because many pretend to be doing engineering when all they do is screwing things up, and they call it tuning. which sounds like you.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 2
        • Smarttess on Mar 21, 2020 at 7:59 pm

          The standard of English in the UK must have deteriorated substantialy since I worked there.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • No Cancer No Freak Weather for Future Generations on Sep 20, 2019 at 2:15 pm

    Since all the petrol available at local pumps are far below EURO5.
    Premium grade RON95 is only EURO1 aka EURO2M
    Premium grade RON97 & it’s variety name / RON100 is only up to EURO3 aka EURO4M
    The main ingredient inside petrol causes engine damage is sulphur.
    The by product of burned petrol releases sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide which damage human respiratory system and caused freak weather phenomenal and air pollution.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
    • ahmadjohnson on Sep 21, 2019 at 9:42 pm

      Since you mention about euro, I would like if paultan can come up with the article the effect of filling fuel with euro 2m and euro 4m. If not mistaken, in Malaysia only BHP provide petrol ron 95 with euro 3 at this moment.

      https://paultan.org/2012/10/16/bhpetrol-launches-new-infiniti-advanced-2x-petrol-euro-3-standard-fuel-with-the-latest-german-additive-package/

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
      • Yes. This is the main difference between our ron95 and ron97. if go purely by ron number can still argue the benefit to normal car. but since there are of different standard surely got effect or difference right?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Sampan 250kmph on Sep 20, 2019 at 2:20 pm

    No matter RON95 or RON97 if the petrol is dirty Euro2M or Euro4m will causes engine to loose efficiency due to sud clogging. Engine will also knock even you pump RON99 for engine requires only minimum RON92.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 5
  • trimmtrabb on Sep 22, 2019 at 10:57 am

    sometimes, no need waste time and energy to educate those degil people, they rather believe in hearsay than facts

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • sick&tired on Oct 02, 2019 at 11:17 pm

    What about the high sulfur content of our ron 92 which is Euro 2? Would it cause long term damage to the injectors for direct injection cars?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • P Ravichandran on Jan 19, 2020 at 11:17 pm

    Which type of petrol , should I use for my new x70 car?95 or 97?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
 

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