RON (Research Octane Number)

Research Octane Number (RON) measures a fuel's ability to resist knocking or premature ignition in spark-ignition engines, especially under mild driving conditions. Higher RON fuels are more resistant to knocking, allowing for higher compression ratios and improved engine efficiency. RON is determined through standardized laboratory tests and is crucial for engine performance and longevity. Think of RON as a fuel's "knock resistance" rating—higher values indicate better performance in preventing knocking, leading to smoother operation and often better fuel economy in vehicles designed for high-compression engines.