Hybrid cars using unsuitable fuel trigger engine knocking

Jakarta (ANTARA) - When hybrid vehicles do not use the appropriate type of fuel, it can have adverse effects and impact the engine’s performance.

In an official statement on Thursday, Auto2000 stated that such conditions have the potential to trigger knocking—a clicking sound—and increase the risk of engine component damage in the long term.

In Toyota hybrid cars, the internal combustion engine (ICE) operates with technology designed to produce both efficiency and power. One such feature is the use of Dual VVT-i and a high compression ratio, which in several Toyota hybrid engines exceeds 13:1.

Given this compression ratio, the choice of fuel becomes a critical factor. Fuel with an octane value lower than the manufacturer’s recommendation is prone to premature combustion, which triggers knocking.

This symptom is usually heard as a clicking sound when the driver presses the accelerator pedal. The condition may become more noticeable when the vehicle is carrying a heavy load, accelerating to overtake, or driving on an incline.

In addition to reducing engine performance, suboptimal combustion can also lead to the formation of deposits within the combustion chamber. Such accumulation has the potential to disrupt engine performance and increase the operating temperature of components.

Under certain conditions, the loss of power may force drivers to press the accelerator pedal deeper to achieve the desired performance. Consequently, fuel consumption may increase and the engine’s workload will rise.

Nur Imansyah Tara, Marketing Division Head of Auto2000, stated that using fuel according to the manufacturer’s recommendation must be accompanied by regular maintenance. Routine servicing can help ensure that components such as spark plugs and filters continue to operate according to specifications.

“Knocking symptoms and the accumulation of deposits in the combustion chamber are two undesirable issues in Toyota hybrid engines,” said Nur.

Periodic servicing provides an opportunity to conduct a thorough engine inspection. Such inspections include checking supporting components and performing emission testing as an indicator of the engine’s combustion condition.