RON Petrol and Your Car

(Picture taken from http://geartinggi.com/2009/06/17/ron-moron/)

So, which is yours?

OK, I just filled up my car with a tank of RON95 petrol. Yes, I know that Proton cars are recommended to use RON97 petrol and above. I thought I saw a compatibility list somewhere over the internet and it shows that Perdana is fit for both RON95 and RON97. Couldn't find that list now =.=

Anyhow, as I read more and more forums and news regarding the compatibility, I'm beginning to fear for my car. It seems that running on a lower RON can cause engine damage during long run.

These are some statements that I've found over the internet:

1. Quoted by Chips
   "I just remembered that there was an earlier discussion on why Proton recommended RON97 in the manual for some models when they could probably run on RON95. I suspect that the reason is because there has been no RON95 available at the pumps and in order to avoid worrying motorists who are totally unclear about the matter, they put in RON97 which is what is available. If they had put RON95, then there might be motorists who keep asking where to buy RON95 and worry that there will be engine damage because they do not use what is specified by Proton."
   (http://www.motortrader.com.my/asp/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=31207)
   
   
2. "Answer from ICARE:-
   Dear Sir,
   
   All Proton cars are suitable to run with RON 95.
   
   For models which are using carburetor engines i.e. previous Saga/Iswara and Wira, there will be minor audible engine knock at certain driving conditions (which will also depends on the engine maintenance and deterioration). These audible engine knock however will not affect engine reliability. The audible engine knock could be eliminated by adjusting the ignition timing which can be done by technicians at any authorised Proton service center."
   (http://www.motortrader.com.my/asp/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=31207)
   
   

3. "For the uninitiated, octane numbers refers to the ability of the fuel to resist self-igniting in the combustion chamber before the spark plug fires. If that happens, the engine will experience “knocking” and become rough; this could possibly damage the engine over time.
   
   Petrol that has a higher RON rating (or number) will have a stronger resistance to causing knocking compared with petrol with a lower RON rating.
   
   But do all engines need to use the fuel with the highest RON rating? The answer is a simple no.
   
   “If your manufacturer specifies that the minimum requirement is RON95, using RON97 will not harm the engine. But you might end up paying more without getting any gain in performance.
   
   “However, using fuel with a lower-than-recommended RON rating can cause engine damage”"
   

   (http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2009/7/5/lifefocus/4229798&sec=lifefocus)
   
   

4. Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the fact that RON97 will be at a higher price has raised concern among the public but what most did not understand was that RON95 would become the grade of petrol that everyone would use.
   
   “For many, even luxury and high-powered cars, RON95 is good enough. Malaysian consumers are currently using petrol which is of higher quality that what consumers get in other countries,” he said.
   
   “And the best thing is, RON95 petrol, which is almost similar in quality to RON97, is cheaper. Meaning, consumers will be paying less for good quality fuel compared to now.
   
   “The public should not be worried about the higher price of RON97 because it will become an alternative product”"
   

   (http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/5/14/nation/3903478&sec=nation)
   

Are these true? Statements from Proton and other reliable sources are not solid enough in my opinion. I need someone who has experience in both RON petrol to tell them they are fine to be used. Now, that's impossible.

For statement 4, it's more focused on pricing. What I wanna know is the compatibility. They can say how cheap RON95 is but do they know the effect that will pose to our cars??

RON95 is a newly formulated petrol that will be taking over RON92. I may be wrong on this but as I know, RON92 will be phased out soon. Even RON99 is on it's way into the market. Anyone has a better idea on this?

Of course RON95 is cheaper than RON97 - RM1.75/liter and RM2.00/liter respectively. But why would government do this? Petrol with higher octane number used all these while increased by 20cents. And by introducing RON95 to the market whilst not all cars are compatible with it?? Where is the logic??

Arghhh... I'm beginning to get annoyed. Why can't they just stick to one and minimize our headache? And what's the 1Malaysia all about? Rakyat Didahulukan, Pencapaian Diutamakan? Nehhh... They never even ask for our opinions on some issues. Everything taken by their own hands. Bullocks.

Now, I have a full tank of RON95 to use up before I revert back to RON97. Perhaps NOT getting a POTONG car is the best decision now >.<

"Potong stim betul"