Must-Know: What is RON? Its Big Impact on Car Paint

Choosing the right fuel is one of the key foundations for maintaining your vehicle’s top performance and engine durability. Many people might not fully understand all the factors that determine fuel quality.

One important parameter is RON. As we know, Research Octane Number (RON) is a crucial benchmark that affects how your engine runs. In this article, we’ll dive into what RON really is, the different RON types available in Indonesia, and the consequences of choosing the wrong one.

On top of that, Belkote will also explain how fuel spills—which are often taken lightly—can actually have serious effects on your car’s paint, and how our products can help solve that problem.

So, What Exactly is RON?

RON stands for Research Octane Number. Simply put, it’s a standard value that indicates how much pressure gasoline can withstand before spontaneously combusting inside the engine’s combustion chamber.

The main function of RON is closely related to a fuel’s ability to handle high compression without causing pre-ignition, commonly known as knocking. The higher the RON, the better the fuel can resist high pressure without igniting too early.

That’s why RON is such an important indicator of gasoline quality and how well it supports your engine’s performance. Having a basic understanding of what RON is can be your first step toward proper engine care.

Types of RON in Indonesia

In Indonesia, there are several common types of gasoline available at gas stations, each with a different RON value. For example, there’s Pertalite with RON 90, Pertamax with RON 92, and Pertamax Turbo with RON 98. Each vehicle manufacturer typically provides a recommendation on the most suitable RON level for the engine specs of the cars they produce.

How to Know the Right RON for Your Vehicle

The easiest way to find out the most suitable RON for your vehicle is by referring to the owner’s manual or checking the vehicle’s technical specifications. Using the recommended RON is a smart move to maintain optimal engine performance.

The Risks of Ignoring the Recommended RON

Ignoring the manufacturer’s RON recommendation can lead to several negative effects on your engine. One common mistake is using fuel with a lower RON than what’s required. This can cause a range of problems, such as:

• Knocking or rough pinging noises coming from the engine

• Decreased performance, with slower acceleration and less responsiveness

• Long-term engine damage, such as harm to piston or cylinder walls

• Reduced fuel efficiency, making your vehicle consume more gas
  
  

On the other hand, using fuel with a higher RON than recommended usually won’t damage the engine, but it can be wasteful. Engines with lower compression ratios won’t benefit much from high-RON fuel, so the extra cost often isn’t worth it.

That’s why choosing the correct RON is crucial—not just for efficiency, but also to preserve your engine’s health over time. Understanding RON and its impact helps you make smarter fuel choices.

Watch Out: Fuel Spills Can Damage Your Car’s Paint

Beyond engine performance, there's another important aspect often overlooked when it comes to fuel: paint damage. It might sound minor, but even small fuel spills during refueling can cause serious harm to your car’s paint if not cleaned up quickly.

The chemical nature of gasoline means it can eat away at the paint’s protective layers. At first, you may notice dull spots or stains that are hard to remove. If left unchecked, the fuel can damage the clear coat, eventually leading to paint peeling.

This kind of damage, though seemingly small, affects your vehicle’s aesthetic appeal and can significantly lower its resale value. What starts as a small oversight—letting spilled gasoline dry on the surface—can end up requiring costly paint repairs or even a full repaint.

Protect Your Car’s Paint with Belkote

Understanding RON is a key first step in caring for your vehicle’s engine. But being aware of the risks fuel spills pose to your car’s paint is just as important in preserving both appearance and value.

With Belkote’s advanced automotive paint solutions, you can restore and protect your vehicle’s finish from damage caused by everyday issues—like gasoline spills. Don’t let a minor mistake turn into a major repair. Trust Belkote to help keep your car looking its best.

Already Noticed Paint Damage? Belkote Has the Solution

If your car’s paint has already started showing signs of damage—whether from fuel spills or other causes—don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with professional repainting solutions using Belkote’s premium automotive paint products.

Thanks to their modern formulation and superior durability, Belkote paints help restore your vehicle’s original beauty while offering maximum protection for the surface. Don’t let paint damage take away from the charm of your beloved car.

Contact us today for expert consultation or to explore the best Belkote paint options for your car restoration needs. We’re here to help you bring back your vehicle’s flawless finish.