However, the grade does play a role in general engine performance and knocking characteristics. Moreover its best to stick to a particular grade of fuel and I would really not like to change the 91-octane grade I am using now.....honestly speaking, neither should you.[/quote]
This is absolutely correct. I was reading the Corolla's owners manual, and it recommends 91-octane (which would be XtraPremium?). I also used it for 2-3 fills, but on Toyota's service advice, changed it to normal, and so far have no suffered any FE loss. In fact, last week on 368 kms of driving, I got 11.3 kmpl on automatic with AC at 27-27.5C. But yes the point about engine performance is correct. I shall have to recheck with Toyota. What do you think is better:
1. saving around Rs. 80-100 per week or around Rs. 1.5/litre in using normal. On my average of 18000 kms per annum, this saves around Rs. every 200 days approx. Assuming 11 kmpl, and normal at 42.85/litre, and 91-octance at 44.35, this saves me around Rs. 2.5 K per annum.
2. using 91-octane.
3. using normal, and perhaps change to synthetic engine oil at 10000 kms (I have so far driven 3000 kms, and so service is still aound 5 mths away). I think Toyota uses its own engine oil at every change and they recommend 5W-30.
Would appreciate your feedback.
I have found that the best way to get the most of a Corolla auto is use auto AC at 27.5 for only driver, and then perhaps reduce temp by around 1C to 26.5-27 for 2-3 people (my family). In the evening, it works well at 27C for even 3 persons.
Further I switch off the AC and ignition at waiting for more than 15 secs, do not go beyond 2500 rpms (or 100 kmph), and even with the auto AC, I do not use it for around 10% of my travel, because even at 27.5C, the cooling remains for 2-3 mins after switchoff. I also do not push the engine hard, and just use a light foot on the accelerator. The Corrolla's acceleration is quite good, and so I do not find any need to floor the pedal at all.
Off course, heavy traffic takes the max. toll, no matter what you do. But I can safely say that my Corolla auto should give a worst of 9 kmpl and a best of around 13 kmpl. So far I am getting around 10.9-11.5 kmpl on automatic with variations on this range. |