Glossary / General

octane

49 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

Octane is a number that tells you how well a fuel can handle pressure before it explodes in the engine. Higher numbers mean better performance for powerful engines.

Technical Definition

Octane is a measure of a fuel's ability to resist knocking during combustion. Higher octane fuels can withstand greater compression before igniting, making them suitable for high-performance engines that operate at higher pressures and temperatures.

Hear It Discussed

"Soyouputhigheroctaneintheracecar,yougotahigherelectricityoctane."
Bring Your Yugo, Your Dragster, Or Your Dad’s GTO, Just Don’t Bring Traction Control In Wheel Time Podcast: Your Go-To Automotive Talk Show 05:17

"I normally use the middle grade gas, which out here is 87 octane. We have 85, 87, 91."
#2612: Monotasking The Best of Car Talk 21:00

"...effectively into 93. It's just like a little splash of boost in it."
Eric Kendricks (NFL Linebacker, Top Notch Car Enthusiast) The Smoking Tire 17:20