Which of the following can help prevent abnormal combustion in an engine?

Using high-quality fuel and regular maintenance plays a critical role in preventing abnormal combustion in an engine. High-quality fuel is designed to meet specific standards and contains additives that help maintain engine cleanliness, enhance combustion efficiency, and minimize knocking or pinging, which are indicators of abnormal combustion. Additionally, regular maintenance, such as replacing air filters, spark plugs, and ensuring proper ignition timing, ensures that the engine operates within optimal parameters. This consistent upkeep helps prevent issues like pre-ignition and detonation, further safeguarding the engine's performance and longevity.

In contrast, operating an engine at maximum RPM at all times can lead to excessive wear and tear, overheating, and increased chances for engine damage, rather than preventing combustion issues. Neglecting oil changes can lead to oil degradation, which severely compromises engine function and can exacerbate combustion problems. Lastly, using the lowest octane fuel available can lead to knocking and inefficient combustion, as lower octane ratings may not support the engine’s design for optimal performance. Thus, the practice of using high-quality fuel combined with regular maintenance stands out as the most effective approach to maintaining healthy engine combustion.