In simpler terms:
* Knocking/Pinging: This is an uncontrolled explosion of the air-fuel mixture in the engine's cylinder, which can damage the engine.
* Higher Octane = Better Knock Resistance: 96 octane fuel is less likely to cause knocking than lower octane fuels, such as 87 or 91 octane.
Engines designed for higher performance or with higher compression ratios typically require higher octane fuel to prevent knocking. Using a lower octane fuel in a high-performance engine can lead to engine damage. Conversely, using a higher octane fuel in an engine designed for lower octane fuel won't necessarily provide any performance benefit but also won't harm the engine.