The fuel requirement for Audi vehicles often sparks discussion among owners and prospective buyers. While specific octane recommendations can vary based on the model and engine, a higher-octane fuel is generally advised for optimal performance and engine longevity. Using gasoline with a lower octane rating than recommended can lead to reduced power output and, in some cases, potential engine knocking or damage.
Employing fuel with a higher octane rating than the manufacturer’s recommendation, frequently advertised as “premium,” provides several benefits. It can optimize the engine’s performance characteristics by allowing the engine control unit (ECU) to take full advantage of the engine’s design and compression ratio. In turbocharged or supercharged engines, the increased resistance to detonation offered by higher-octane fuel becomes particularly crucial, potentially enhancing both power and fuel efficiency. Historically, high-performance vehicles have consistently relied on higher-octane fuels to achieve their advertised specifications and ensure reliability.