Re: "octane myth"

[shields@tembel.org (Michael Shields)]

> On this weeks Motor Week TV, they explained why using a higher octane is 
> unnecessary.  All modern cars have an onboard computer and it is 
> specifically programmed to work with the octane recommended by the 
> manufacturer.  When a different octane is used, the computer cannot adjust 
> its strategy, so there is no benefit.  The same is true for cars 
> recommending a higher octane.  Basically, you should only use the octane 
> recommended by the car's manufacturer.  Seems to make sense.

That's not true, though.  A modern car (for US Audis this means 87ish)
will have a knock sensor, which is there precisely so that the computer
can "adjust its strategy".  Running mid-grade gas in such a car will
not damage it (because the computer can retard the timing) but will
affect performance.
-- 
Shields.