In Malaysia, the automotive fuel market includes a range of petrol types designed to meet the varying needs of drivers and vehicles. These fuels are categorized based on their octane ratings and formulation, which affect engine performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions. 

The availability of these petrol types allows consumers to choose the most suitable option for their vehicles, balancing cost considerations with the desired engine performance and environmental impact. The common ones in Malaysia are RON95 and RON97. But petrol brands like Petron have started introducing premium petrol such as RON100 into Malaysia’s market since 2020.

What does RON even mean?

One of the most widely used octane metrics is the Research Octane Number (RON) which signifies the branches of the hydrocarbons. It indicates the performance rating and quality indicator for fuel to resist premature ignition in the engine, which is also known as ‘knocking’. 

‘Knocking’ is a condition in which the engine cylinder's fuel ignites before the spark plug sparks. The higher its RON value, the better the fuel's resistance to pre-ignition and knocking, the higher its RON value. Constant knocking may harm the engine permanently. 

In conclusion, RON100 has higher resistance from premature ignition, as compared to RON97, RON95, or lower.

So, which RON is for my car?

All cars come with a minimum compression ratio from the manufacturer. Checking with your service center will tell you which petrol type is optimal for your vehicle or you can check your car user manual book. In addition, most cars come with an indicator sticker for the recommended RON requirement inside the fuel tank door. 

What happens if you don’t follow the recommended RON requirement?

A simple way to think is, “You can go above the minimum requirement, but never below”

This is because using petrol BELOW the RON requirement will cause damage to the engine in the long run. For example, high-performance cars such as the Ford Mustang, Porsche 911, and Lamborghini, will surely run in the early stage but won’t be as effective as using the suggested RON. It will also cause the engine to have power and efficiency reduction problems due to the ‘knocking’ issue and eventually break down.

But what happens if you fill petrol ABOVE the RON requirement? Will it boost the power of an AXIA or MYVI car? The answer is NO because it won't increase performance as the hydrocarbon content for both kinds of petrol is similar. The only thing it boosts is the hole in your pocket as the price is generally pricey compared to the RON95 petrol.

In addition, RON97 and RON100 petrol are typically recommended for vehicles equipped with high-compression engines and those with engine capacities of 2,500cc or greater, such as sports cars and supercars.

We hope this article will enhance your understanding of the kinds of petrol in the market and help you to choose the one for your car. For more updates, stay tuned with PilihCAR.